Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
The Tonypandy Riot, South Wales, 1910
What exactly does the term "Knobstick" or "Blackleg" mean?
This term was the word used to decribe a strikebreaker (scab).
Some people think it refers to an Irish
strickbreaker, but that is false, simply an attempt to divert
attention by focusing upon "racism" as a means to set one part of
the population against another part.
The Tonypandy Riots of 1910, in South Wales are an example in point.
The coal miners in Rhondda Vale had been unemployed for an extended
of time by the Cambrian Combine (cartel) of coal mine owners. By
limiting the production of coal, the Cambrian Combine could keep up
(or raise) the price of coal. Limited production of coal prevented
the miners from working for a living. Churchill called out the
troops to attack the miners. Aspects of this are described in detail,
in "Grey Children" by James Hanley.
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