Hi All re datal worker- although not my query originally I appreciate the replies also. Stans description "Those below ground were mostly employed in constructional and repair work, timbering, roofing, laying roadways, clearing away debris, etc." fits what my dad explained he did. He said he left svhool on the friday aged 14 and went for a job at the pit where he started on the monday- for the first year you were above ground then went underground where you did various jobs till you were considered OK to be a hewer. Carol