Kent Miners' Association

Official arbitration backed the mineowners, prompting more than 4,000 coal miners to strike, despite a wartime ban on industrial action.

A stay-down strike was launched, which succeeded in persuading the National Coal Board to open a new seam, allowing the workforce to remain at the same level.

[3] Malcolm Pitt, the area president, was jailed for allegedly breaching bail conditions,[4] and suspected miners were turned back at the Dartford Tunnel to prevent picketing.

[6] Sir Michael Havers initially denied this application outright, but Mr. Justice Skinner later ruled that this power of the police may only be used if the anticipated breach of the peace were "in close proximity both in time and place".

"[7] The Kent NUM organised a continuation of picketing across the country, which delayed the return to work at many pits for another two weeks.