Hacky Black Heroes

September 1939. Leaden clouds of war are about to break over Europe.In the heart of the Durham coalfield, a boy of 14 prepares to embark on his own epic battle.Will, fights cold, filth, darkness and back-breaking hard work, alongside a rich array of characters, including experienced pitmen, young fellow putters and a Bevin Boy, destined for great things.Tragedy and hardship are never far away but neither are friendship, love, brotherhood and rich, often dark humour.Set against the backdrop of momentous events in the war, this first part of Will’s journey ends at the Durham Miner’s Gala of 1948, heralding the NHS and nationalisation of mining and major industries. “The smell and the feel of the men and their pit-clothes, the sight of their dancing lights, the grim shadows of their faces, the touch of their boots against his and this metal floor and walls of mesh…The pulses in his temples beat out a tempestuous rhythm..."