THE DONIBRISTLE DISASTER
Traditional
On the twenty-sixth of August, our fatal
moss gave way.
Although we did our level best, its
course we couldn't stay.
Ten precious lives there were at stake,
"Who'll save them?" was the cry;
"We'll bring them to the surface, or
along wiyh them we'll die."
There was Rattery and McDonald, Hynd and
Paterson,
Too well they knew the danger and the
risk they had to run.
They never stopped to count the cost;
"We'll save them," was the cry;
"We'll bring them to the surface or
along with them we'll die."
They stepped upon the cage, they were
ready for the fray.
They all meant business as they belled
themselves away.
Soon they reached the bottom, far from
the light of day,
And went to search the workings, and Tom
Rattery led the way.
They lost their lives, God help them.
Ah, yes it was a fact,
Someone put in a stopping and they never
did get back.
Was that not another blunder? My God, it
was a sin.
To put a stopping where they did, it
closed our heroes in.
We never shall forget them, though they
have lost their lives,
So let us pay attention to their
children and their wives.
It simply is our duty now, and let us
all beware.
Their fathers died a noble death and
left them in our care.
There was Rattery and McDonald, Hynd and
Paterson,
Too well they knew the danger and the
risk they had to run.
They never stopped to count the cost;
"We'll save them," was the cry;
"We'll bring them to the surface, or
along with them we'll die."
Footnote : The Donibristle Mining Disaster in Fife, occurred on 26
August 1901 when part of the Mossmorran peat bog near Cowdenbeath
collapsed on sixteen miners 360 feet underground. Four miners were lost,
as was the four-strong rescue party remembered in the song. All the
bodies were recovered between September and December.
