Hi Its very likely that your father came because of short time
working or closure of his own pit in Lancs. He may have come down to
be with others from his area who had made the move. Depending on his
situation, he may have been sent by the dole or its possible that he
could have walked in search of work. From Deal his most likely pit of
work was Betteshanger. Many of the men from Betteshanger returned to
their own areas during the war because of their families and the
constant threat of bombing in this area of Kent. The Dunkirk Harriers
as these miners were known locally often then remained in their
original areas at the end of the war having resettled and with more
chances of work. Thomas Palmer has not appeared in any of the memories
of people I have interviewed however I will let you know if anyone
remembers him locally.
There will be more oral histories appearing on our website soon which
will give you some idea of your father's life and working conditions.
Lynda
On 18 Feb, 17:46, "P TICKLE" <phyllis...@blueyonder.co.uk> wrote:
> My father thomas palmer, went to deal in the 1930s as a miner from leigh lancs.Think it was cos of the depression , thats about all i know, he came back to leigh after.I would LOVE to know more.!!