Bevin Boys claim honour

MINERS who worked as Bevin Boys during the Second World War are being encouraged to collect their badges.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Sep 2007, 12:29 BST
Updated 25th Sep 2007, 08:02 BST

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair announced details of the lapel badge, for those who were recruited to serve in UK coalfields rather than the armed forces during the war.

Energy Minister, Malcolm Wicks, has called for men who are eligible to claim the badge.

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The scheme was introduced in 1943 by then Minister for Labour and National Service, Ernest Bevin, in response to an increasing shortage of labour in the mining industry. It ran until 1948 for men aged 18-25.

Mr Wicks said: "I am calling on all surviving Bevin Boys to come forward to claim this unique veterans badge as a tribute to their sacrifices during and after the Second World War. These heroes in our community helped to keep the coal fields running during the war and in the post-war reconstruction of Britain."

All Bevin Boys are eligible. Visit www.veterans-uk.info or call the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency: 0800 1692277.

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