Ex-war miners applying for badge honour

The Government announced last month it would be issuing Bevin Boys badges to formally recognise the sacrifices made in the UK coalfields during and immediately after World War Two. A presentation ceremony may be held in Doncaster next year.

Today the Bevin Boys Association said 593 have already applied for the honour even before it has sent out formal notification of the scheme to its members. More than 6,000 are expected to be dished out.

Doncaster played a central role in the Bevin Boys scheme during the war, with Askern Main serving as one of the training pits for men who had signed up as miners to help the war effort. The badges are expected to be issued in March 2008. It is hoped a special presentation of the badges can be arranged in Doncaster to celebrate the contribution made by Bevin Boys who helped to keep the coal fields running during the war and in the post-war reconstruction of Britain. It is available to all surviving Bevin Boys and formally recognises the sacrifices made in the UK coalfields during and immediately after World War Two.

Anyone who has applied direct for their badges is also being asked to provide their details to the Doncaster MPs so they can be kept informed of any celebrations in Doncaster.

A Bevin Boys badge can be issued to men who were conscripted directly into the mines who were known more generally as "ballottees", those who opted for mine work in preference to joining the armed forces or those who were in the armed forces and volunteered to become miners during the period 1943-1948 under the scheme instituted by Ernest Bevin, Minister of Labour and National Service.

Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton said: "Here in Doncaster the Bevin Boys helped to keep the coal mines running during the war. I am delighted that the important contribution they made is now being formally recognised."

Don Valley MP Caroline Flint added: "These men played a key role in such a vital industry during the war years and beyond. I would encourage anyone in Doncaster who feels they are eligible to get in touch with their MP.''