Biography

In the Department of MInes Annual Report of 1939, the following reference appeared: "Deceased was working in a shallow winze seven feet deep in which he had charged eight holes. He was having some difficulty in getting the fuses to light and, as the time since lighting the first fuse was advancing, he was advised by his mate to leave. He would not do so and as he was lighting the last fuse, the first shot went off. His mate, at great personal risk, went to his assistance, but the second shot went off and buried him. The other shots went off in order and when he was extricated, he was dead. No firing cartridge was used, as is required by the Mines Regulation Act, and the deceased showed great lack of judgement in remaining in the winze so long. This accident was definitely preventable."

The deceased's brothers, Dan (Sandstone), Jack (Laverton), and Alf (Youanml), attended the funeral. The late Mr Callaghan was one of eleven children of Mr and Mrs J.S. Callaghan, of Menzies, there being eight sons and three daughters.

The deceased is buried in the Roman Catholic portion of the cemetery, plot number 37, beside the grave of his older brother, Dennis Richard, who lies in plot number 38. His niece, Marie, daughter of Dennis, lies in plot number 40.  Each of these family members is represented in this website.