Bevin Boys 60th Anniversary
7th April 2008
The 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy has now passed and local MP Des Browne is encouraging former Bevin Boys to apply for a new lapel badge which recognises their contribution.
This is the first time that the contribution of conscripts who worked in Britain's coal mines during and immediately after the Second World War has been formally recognised.
The Bevin Boys' contribution, like that of the Spitfire Women, the Women's Timber Corp and the Women's Land Army, did not receive the recognition it deserved at the time as honours were concentrated on those who saw front line service.
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.
Up to 11,000 applications are expected for the new badge which features a pithead design and profile of a miner and MP Des Browne is keen for Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituents, who were Bevin Boys, to get their badges.
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.
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.”
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