James David Millne

James David Millne I

Mining engineer who managed the Doctor Pit for the Bedlington Coal Company.  Officially employed as under-manager (assistant manager), he held a full manager's qualifications, and turned down offers from other regional coal companies wanting him to manage collieries for them in favour of remaining in Bedlington.  He worked together with Mr Cruddace (junior), who's responsibility was to manage (again officially under-manage) the 'A' Pit at Bedlington Station. Mr Cruddace (senior) held overall management responsibility for both collieries.

"David" also held public office as a JP (Justice of the Peace), and served on the board of the Bedlington Cooperative Society, amongst other local duties.  He was known to many Bedlingtonians as the lay preacher at The Church of Christ (Baptists) on Front Street West.  It is largely unknown what he did in his spare time!