A memorial service has been held to mark the 90th anniversary of a pit disaster which claimed the lives of 266 men and boys. The disaster affected the whole of Wrexham with almost every village in the county borough losing someone.

It’s a Friday evening on September 21, 1934. Miners are descending into the Dennis section of the Gresford Colliery to begin their shift. It’s particularly busy as many of them are ‘doubling up’ so they’ll be free to watch the Wrexham match on Saturday afternoon. Sadly, only six of them shall return.

At 2:08am Saturday morning (September 22), an explosion tore through the colliery, killing countless miners in the process. The blast was so powerful that it shook the ground for miles around. The mine was instantly plunged into darkness and chaos.

Edward Williams, Engine Attendant at the Dennis recalled: “It came nearer like thunder and then the place was all black. You couldn’t see anything.”

Over 200 rescue workers were sent down in an effort to rescue the miners. They battled against the thick smoke and debris, but the task was made all the more difficult by the fact that the mine shafts were extremely narrow. All they recovered were 11 bodies – three of them belonging to the first rescue team. One of the rescuers described that mine as being ‘just like hell’.

Once news reached town, crowds began to gather around the mine – women and children waiting for loved ones who will never return. The atmosphere was one of disbelief and despair. Many of the miners had left their families just hours before the disaster, never to return.

After 40 hours of toiling it became clear to the rescuers there was nobody alive left to save, so they decided to close the shafts at 6pm Sunday afternoon. The hope of finding any survivors was extinguished, leaving the community to face the terrible reality of the loss.

The Gresford Colliery disaster was one of Wrexham’s greatest tragedies…but what’s often overlooked is the aftermath of the disaster and the effect it had on the victims’ families and fellow workers. The explosion left 200 widowed, 800 fatherless and 1,600 jobless. The loss of life was immense, but the impact on the community extended far beyond that, shattering lives and livelihoods.

This was in a time where women weren’t provided with the same opportunities as men. Losing a husband left more than a grieving widow…it left a widow with the responsibility of providing for herself and her children without a source of income.

The rest of the men employed at the mine were forced to look for other jobs – often to no avail. The future seemed bleak for Wrexham; survival alone would become a struggle for many. It would be six months until the mine re-opened.

The tragedy became national headline news and even received recognition from the King. Word travelled about the struggling families and a relief fund was established to aid those in need. More than £550,000 was raised in total, however the lives lost could never be replaced.

This year marks 90 years since the 266 men and boys lost their lives.

The annual memorial service to mark the Gresford Colliery disaster takes place on Sunday, September 22 at 11am at the Miner’s Wheel Memorial, Bluebell Lane, Pandy. This is a short informal service, which everyone is welcome to attend.

Wrexham Mayor Cllr Beryl Blackmore, said: “The Gresford mining disaster is an incredibly sad part of Wrexham history.

“Sadly, almost every village in the county borough lost someone due to this tragedy and many mothers, widows and children were left to grieve. We must never forget the high price they paid for coal.”

Remembering Gresford

The disaster was a defining moment for the community of Wrexham. It is important to remember the sacrifices made by these men and boys and to learn from the tragedy. The Gresford disaster was a stark reminder of the dangers of working in the mines and it led to significant changes in safety regulations.

The Miners Rescue Station on Maesgwyn Road in Wrexham, was purpose built to save lives.

More than 100 years later, it has a different purpose but for some it is still considered a life-saver. As required by the Coal Mines Act 1911, it was built and officially opened in November 1913 as a training centre for mine rescue teams. The men there played a crucial role following the devastating explosion at Gresford Colliery. Four rescuers lost their lives.

The station continued to serve as a vital resource for the mining community for many years, but it eventually fell into disrepair. It was saved from demolition by the Wrexham Miners Project, who have been working to restore the building and to create a community hub that celebrates the history of mining in the area.

Today, the Miners Rescue Station is a thriving center that offers a variety of programs and services to the community. It is a place where people can come to learn about the history of mining, to connect with others, and to find support. The project features a memorial wall paying tribute to the 266 men and boys who lost their lives in the Gresford Colliery Disaster. The wall, made up of red bricks, contains the names, job titles and ages of those who died. The station is a testament to the resilience of the community of Wrexham and a reminder of the importance of remembering those who have been lost.

Wrexham FC's Tribute to the Miners

Wrexham AFC, the club that many of the miners were planning to watch that fateful Saturday, has been playing its part in honoring the memory of the Gresford disaster. The club has paid tribute to the miners through various initiatives, including:

• Wearing a special edition of their black away kit that pays tribute to the disaster.

• Auctioning off the limited edition shirts to raise funds for the Wrexham Miners Project, the club’s official nominated charity.

• Holding a minute’s silence before their game against Crawley Town on September 21, 2024.

• Laying a wreath and a miner’s lamp on the pitch before the game.

• Featuring a pit wheel graphic and the number “266” on the nape of both of Wrexham’s kits for the 2024-25 campaign in tribute to those who died in the disaster.

The club’s commitment to remembering the miners is a testament to the deep connection between Wrexham AFC and the community it serves.

The Gresford Colliery disaster was a tragedy that should never be forgotten. The memories of the 266 men and boys who lost their lives must be kept alive. The Miners Rescue Station, Wrexham AFC, and the countless families and communities who continue to remember the disaster will ensure that their legacy continues to inspire us all.