William Buckland Durbridge

1874 – 20/3/1930

Article from The Advertiser 26/3/1930

“Whilst working on his claim at Coober Pedy opal fields, Mr William Buckland Durbridge was suddenly taken ill and collapsed. His mate, Mr R Coles, who was working close by, realised his predicament, and caught him before he fell. He was brought from the 18-ft level in a sling and placed on a bed in a nearby dugout. About 11 o’clock that night, Thursday March 20, Mr Durbridge passed away without recovering consciousness. The deceased was well known in the north-west district. As a mark of respect all work on the field ceased. The local coroner decided that an inquest was unnecessary. All the men on the field followed their late workmate to the cemetery, where Mr George Burford, the coroner, read the burial service. The deceased, who hailed from the Iron Knob district, leaves a widow and nine children.”

“Mr Durbridge was aged 56 years.”