Description:William Harrison's Colliery Rescue Team, winners of Cannock Chase Coal Owners Rescue Cup in 1939. This group photograph includes the six team members together with six competition judges and was taken at Hednesford Rescue Station, Victoria Street.
Four rescue teams competed in the 13th annual Cannock Chase Coalowners Association & Rescue Committee's competition, dealing with a scenario whereby a pit explosion had occurred in a Midlands mine and several men had lost their lives. William Harrison's team beat Rugeley Colliery, Hilton Main and East Cannock to win the cup.
The rescue team members are: E. Martin (captain), G. Newman, A. Wilson, W. Kendrick, W. Fellows and C. Holgate (lieutenant). The judges are: T.D. Davies (H.M. Inspector of Mines), E. Hand (under manager st Lilleshall Collieries), V. Parry (Bloxwich), W. Monk (I.C.I. Birmingham), R. Payne (Principal, County Mining College, Cannock), W. Cain (assistant manager, Highley Colliery).
William Harrison Collieries managed a number of coal mines, including Norton Colliery, Wyrley No.3 Pit and Mid-Cannock Colliery.