South Yorkshire Times – Thursday 5 April 1952

Sitting Back

War Hero Gets Pension at Dearne Valley

Enjoying his third week of retirement is Mr. Harry Fisher (66), 35, Ciarney Avenue, Darfield. Mr. Fisher was second in line for a miners’ pension under the new scheme at Dearne Valley Colliery.

Mr. Fisher has completed 54 years in the pits, but compared with his war service they were uneventful years. He is probably the only man in South Yorkshire to experience the honour of being decorated for gallantry three times in two years!

During the 1914-18 war Mr. Fisher, then Sergeant-Major, served in Egypt and later for three years in France. In June, 1917, he was Mentioned in Despatches. Exactly a year later he received the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the French Croix de Guerre.

Like all war heroes, Mr. Fisher was loth to tell why the decorations were awarded, but it is known that together with his men he held a vitally strategic point for 24 hours, making it possible to put a big offensive into operation.

Anybody who wants to see Mr. Fisher’s medals will have to wait until Remembrance Day, for since the first Great War he has never missed a church service. He usually puts on his medals for the occasion, and that is the only time he wears them.

Mr. Fisher is a founder-member of Darfield branch of the British Legion. He was president for 15 years, but is now on the retired list.

Born and reared in Darfield, Mr. Fisher started work in the pits when he was 13. His first “shop” was Darfield Main, where he worked as a pony driver. Since then he has spent 40 years at the coal face. Just before his retirement he worked on haulage.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Fisher regard the new pension as a windfall. The pension is 11s., and helps out in paying the 15s. 5d. rent of their old people’s bungalow