The Latcham family and the Montagu Pit Disaster
Thomas Alfred Latcham Jr lived on Norwich Street in Benwell.
He was only 14 when he was killed in the Montagu Pit Disaster on the 30th of March, 1925.
The tragic story of the pitmen can be heard in the poem ‘Gone to the Lord’,
which was written by John Thomas White, living relative of the Latcham family.
The Latcham family and the Montagu Pit Disaster
Thomas Alfred Latcham Jr lived on Norwich Street in Benwell.
He was only 14 when he was killed in the Montagu Pit Disaster on the 30th of March, 1925.
The tragic story of the pitmen can be heard in the poem ‘Gone to the Lord’,
which was written by John Thomas White, living relative of the Latcham family.
Jane Latcham 1887-1960
By John White
As a bairn, I sat on my Great Gran’s knee. She was born in the Victorian age, I learnt of her grief, her son sat on her knee- Thomas Latcham, age fourteen died in the Montagu Pit disaster, a monument raised in Elswick Cemetery, her story sustained my politics, it’s the red banner for me.
Remembrance of the Montagu Pit Disaster, 30th of March, 1925
By John White
Gone to the Lord they are, men, boys as fit props fell Tunnels submerged. Not even foul air to breathe Gases, tepid waters merged Torrid tidal waves of wretched filth No look for these lads They the right to dig King Coal from muck But not in ground, so unsound, no plans or maps to see Greed of owners pushing their might with glee Gone to the Lord they are, too far to reach Men of cloth they do preach As families at pit head they wait Too late, for the thirty-eight poor souls are gone As one by one taken to hearse they are Then down so silent streets save for sobbing wives Mothers, sisters, children, small It’s them that bear such pain, such cost as well Damn the owners all to hell Gone to the Lord they are. Men, bairns, the mate Ninety years past since ‘High Monty’s’ loss Went the lads through Heaven’s gate God bless him. History does not forget them yet Gone to the Lord they are