About the Author

Philip Clifford is a Local Goverment Officer with his roots firmly in the Motor Trade and Transport industries. He lives with his wife in Suffolk (not the most prolific of mining areas!!). Whilst he has never been down a pit he has been trained in working in confined spaces including the use of modern Draeger escape sets. His interests have always included industrial history, reading and technical writing so when he discovered, by family history research, that he had 'Famous' ancestors, curiosity got the better of him. As to what he knows about mines rescue - the answer 6 years ago was 'Not a lot'!

However a natural desire to learn more was stifled by the lack of available published material so he turned to the internet to try and discover the facts. He now knows quite a bit but still admits that does not make him an expert.

This web site was the result of this voyage of discovery and by participating in various on-line discussion groups, in particular the Mining History Discussion Group, he has gathered much information and detail which this site tries to share (albeit in summary). Many 'virtual' and physical friendships have arisen from this research and many of these friends have submitted information used in this web site.

In an effort to keep alive the memory of the heroes of mining and mines rescue he has embarked on a mission to publish a book on the subject and hopefully this will, hopefully, be completed in 2006.

Philip is always keen to share information and will, if able, try and assist others in their research - after all, that is how he started. Please feel free to contact him either by using the Feedback form on this site. You might also like to leave a message in the visitor's book - who knows that might strike a chord with others who visit the site?

Philip's other interest is in the history of the Lovat's Scouts, a famous Scottish regiment dating back to the Boer War. He also maintains a site dedicated to the Lovat's Scouts. Click Here to view this site.