January Talk: When Dai Became a Tommy

When Dai Became a Tommy

This lecture was given by Peter Walker, a retired Mining Engineer and Colliery Manager.

He outlined the history of Tunnelling Companies in the First World War with particular reference to the Welsh Miners and Colliery Engineers who served in them.

The dangers and mechanics of their operations were highlighted, together with the geological problems they encountered and the results they obtained.

Later in the war, the tunnelling companies built underground hospitals, barracks and communication trenches. They also became experts in bomb disposal.