FORMER Bevin Boys in South Yorkshire are being urged to make sure they apply for a new veterans badge to be awarded next year.
Bevin Boys were conscripts sent to work in the pits during the Second World War and in the post-war reconstruction.
The scheme was introduced in 1943 by then Minister for Labour and National Service, Ernest Bevin, in response to a shortage of labo
ur in the coal industry.
The scheme ran from 1943-1948, recruiting men aged 18-25 to work in the pits rather than serve in the forces. More than 48,000 men, many from South Yorkshire, were selected or volunteered.
Lord Mason of Barnsley, a former miner, campaigned for years for Bevin Boys to be given official recognition.
It was because of his influence that eight years ago the Bevin Boys were finally allowed to join other veterans and march past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day.
Surviving Bevin Boys, or widows of those who died after June 20 this year, are asked to apply for a unique badge.
Barnsley West and Penistone MP and former miner Mick Clapham said: “The Bevin Boys were conscripted to work alongside coalminers during the war and without their contribution we would not have been able to keep the coalfields running during the war and in the post-war reconstruction of Britain.
n Log on to www.veteransagency.co.uk or call 0800 169 2277 to apply.
