Robert Gordon McKillup was born in Easington, Co. Durham in 1911 and started work at Murton Colliery at the age of 14. He studied mining subjects at Sunderland Technical College and obtained his Second and First Class Certificates of Competency in 1943 and 1944 respectively. In 1946 he became Under Manager at Murton and the following year became Manager at South Hetton Colliery. In 1958 he was promoted to Agent/Manager at Horden Colliery and in 1970 became Manager at Hawthorn Combined Mine.
He was President of the National Association of Colliery Managers in 1966 and NEIMME President in 1971-72.
He was awarded the Institution of Mining Engineers Silver Medal in 1971 for his published contributions on mine management.
McKillup died in 1982.
Some publications:
McKillup, R.G. Face drainage at Horden Colliery Colliery Guardian 214 23 June 1967, 693-695
McKillup, R.G. The mono rail system at Horden Colliery Mining Engineer 130 1970-71, 108-111
McKillup, R.G. Retreat faces in the High Main Seam at Horden Colliery Mining Engineer 130 1970-71, 371-379
McKillup, R.G Presidential address [NEIMME] Mining Engineer 131 1971-72, 311-312
