This Is Your Life: David Park

David PARK GM

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - David Park GM, miner, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews on board a flight from Edinburgh to London.

In September of 1950, heavy rain caused the collapse of a mine at the Knockshinnoch Castle Colliery in Ayrshire leaving over 100 miners trapped. Their only escape route was through an old mine, now full of deadly carbon monoxide gas, therefore special breathing equipment was required and eventually brought in.

David, a former miner and now a senior official with the National Coal Board, volunteered to go down the mine, and in almost impenetrable darkness taught them how to use the special oxygen masks. David played a key role in the rescue of 116 men over three days, and for his heroism he was awarded the George Medal.

programme details...

Edition No: 177
Subject No: 178
Broadcast: Mon 1 Jan 1962
Broadcast time: 8.00-8.30pm
Recorded: Sun 10 Sep 1961 8.30pm
Venue: BBC Television Theatre
Series: 7
Edition: 14

on the guest list...

Hughie Murray
Malcolm Naysmith
Andrew Cunningham
Mr 'Pup' Walker
Mrs Walker
William Dyer
Andrew Houston
Gibb Grozier
Mrs McCann
Lord Balfour of Inchclyde

production team...

Researcher: Arthur Sellwood
Writer: Peter Moore
Director: Yvonne Littlewood
Producer: T Leslie Jackson

related page...

Jack of all Trades

from domestic cleaner to teacher

Series 7 subjects