Bevin Boys called up for Award
13th November 2007
Local Labour MP, Des Browne is calling upon all former Bevin Boys to contact him as the Veterans Agency is now accepting applications for the new lapel Badge.
The badge is being introduced by the UK Government to formally recognise the contribution made by the Bevin Boys, who worked in the UK coalfields during and immediately after World War Two.
The first Badge will not be awarded until March 2008 to mark the 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy. However, local MP and Secretary of State for Defence, Des Browne is keen for former Bevin Boys to get their applications in early.
Des said:
“It is important that we never forget the sacrifices that were made both at home and abroad during the war, and this Badge is a fitting way to remember the Bevin Boys' work to keep the coalfields going. The Badge will be available to surviving Bevin Boys including both volunteers and those who were selected to work down the mines.
Although the badges will not be awarded until the spring of next year the Veterans Agency is expecting a high volume of applications. I would therefore encourage people to apply early to ensure they receive their badge without delay.
If you know of anyone who you think is eligible to apply and is a Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituent please contact my office on 01563 520267.”
The Bevin Boys 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 coal mining industry. The scheme ran between 1943 and 1948 and involved recruiting men aged between 18 and 25 years to work in coal mines rather than serve in the armed forces. Some 48,000 men were either selected or volunteered under the scheme.
Similar to the Ministry of Defence Veterans Badge, the Badge will be available to surviving Bevin Boys including both volunteers and those who were selected to work down the mines.
