Thomas Hughes - Mount Kembla, NSW
Posted by: 
Tuena
S 34° 25.972 E 150° 49.147
56H E 299609 N 6187689
Thomas Hughes was killed by the explosion at Mount Kembla July 31st, 1902 aged 34 years.
Waymark Code: WMTJ9C
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 11/28/2016
Views: 2
At 2 p.m. on Thursday, 31 July, 1902, Mt Kembla Mine suffered the worst mining disaster in Australia’s history, when a gas explosion killed 96 men and boys. The resulting Royal Commission concluded that a roof fall in a goafed area pushed inflammable gases into contact with a wheeler’s naked lamp, triggering a series of coal dust explosions.
His grave, along with another 32 who died in the disaster, is located here in the Soldiers & Miners Memorial Anglican Churchyard. The remaining victims are buried in the Windy Gully cemetery, Wollongong Cemetery & other locations.
The headstone is in first class order & records that he was born in Coedpoeth, North Wales. His epitaph is quite poignant & a reflection of probably how he met his death:
He Left his home in health and strength
No thought of death was near
He had no time to say farewell
To those he loved so dear
Short was the call he had from above
Not a word to his loved ones could say
His eyes closed in death and with thoughts of home
He silently passed away.
Visit Instructions:When posting a visit to an unusual grave, please include the minimum of one picture of your visit as proof that you were there in the flesh.
Although not required, please include your personal experience of this location.