Hi Bob ,
Sorry about the bum steer re:-the names, but one of the main men anglicised his name, only slightly , to make it appear less German , I'll check it out when I get home.
In the meantime here is a fabulous "film" related to the subject matter, it gives a great insight to how they won the Iron Ore from the surrounding hills of Slaggy Island

http://www.communigate.co.uk/ne/slaggyisland/page52.phtml

Vin is known for his Polish-ed performances - his ability to pronounce it probably is just his Teesside accent.

Cheers ,

Betsy.