22nd April 1959 – Australia was shocked by the news that two men had lost their lives 500ft down a Broken Hill Mine. At the same time, the name of Mazza appeared in the obituary notices of the local press. Probably, it bore little significance to any but sorrowing friends and relatives, for few could cast their minds back to 1914. For in that year, World War 1 started – and the Marvel Loch Mine fell in!!!
Back Row from left- Mick O’Brien, Inspector Crabb, Frank Mazza, in front T Williams, manager of the Marvel Loch Mine – Image SLWA
WHEN THE MARVEL LOCH MINE FELL IN:
Despite the steady rain falling above ground, it was comfortably warm deep in the Marvel Loch Mine near Southern Cross, Western Australia, on November 13, 1914. There, 60 feet below the No. 2 level, Tributers James Gorey, Michael O’Brien, and Frank ‘Fracis Claude’ Mazza worked steadily at removing pillars and parts of the load left by the company that had been working on the mine some years earlier.
Suddenly, with a thunderous roar, the roof caved in. James Gorey, struck by a falling timber and tons of earth and rock, was killed instantly. Mazza, miraculously, was unhurt and free. But O’Brien, one of his closest friends, was half buried beneath the fall and unable to extricate himself. Mazza then performed the act of bravery that earned the admiration of every Australian.
Despite crumbling ground that forced him back twice, he dug with superhuman strength to free his helpless and near-unconscious friend. O’Brien pleaded with Mazza to leave him and get away from the danger area. Mazza ignored the advice, eventually dragged his mate clear only seconds before another fall, which would have crushed them both. Mazza then returned to try to help Gorey but saw he was beyond aid. The two men then made for the end of the level, where the ground and roof were intact. Gorey, who was from Victoria, was a father of four children, and his wife was in poor health.
Frank Mazza – Image AWM
THE LONG WAIT
In Darkness, the two settled down to wait. Occasionally, further up the level, timbers creaked, and the sound of rock and earth falling from the roof could be heard. When darkness fell and the men failed to come to the surface, rescuers flocked to the mine. Their task was difficult. The broken ground was more than 15ft wide, and the huge hole that yawned before them threatened to take some of the rescuers into its depths. Yet they worked like demons in four-hour shifts of eight men in each. Throughout the night and into the next day, they toiled.
Late in the evening of the 14th, near despair, miners shouted for joy as their disbelieving ears heard a faint knocking. Despite lack of sleep and extreme exhaustion, they redoubled their efforts. The next day, the two men could be heard calling out, and on the morning of the 16th, rescuers reported that they had spoken to Mazza and O’Brien. Later that same day, they were brought to the surface. Without food, water or light, the two men had been entombed for 84 hours.
Mazza, who was presented with a certificate from the Mines Department, was commended for his brave conduct. Minister P Collier travelled from Perth to present the handsome framed certificate to Mr Mazza in person. “Mazza was true to the best traditions of mining” the report said. “He stood by his mates to the last.” Mazza was to carry that tradition beyond the boundaries of mining. He had stuck by O’Brien in the crumbling depths, and he stuck by him in the shell-shattered days of World War 1. His last act for his friend was to fashion a crude cross and place it at the head of O’Brien’s humble grave somewhere in France. Further Reading:-
James Gorey is remembered on the Eastern Goldfields Miners Memorial at the WA Museum in Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie. www.wavmm.com
The Band of Rescuers
Image from Sharn Carnicelli – Marvel Loch Hotel
The Marvel Loch Mine c 1905 – Image SLWA
Moya Sharp
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Thanks for this article. James Gorey was my grandfather’s cousin. It’s good to know that he’s remembered.
Thanks for this article Moya. My grandfather, Andrew Campbell, was in the rescue team for this mine disaster and was pictured with 60 or so others after the successful rescue of Mick O’Brien and Frank Mazza. I have obtained a copy of the photo from Jill at the Marvel Loch Hotel, which is different to those in your post.
Hi Ian I would love to see the photo if you could share it.
Heya Moya the ug clapsed early than that i was there