The application
form for the badge is now available and can be
obtained by calling the Service Personnel and
Veterans Agency helpline on 0800 169 2277 or
by visiting
http://www.veterans-uk.info.
A Bevin Boys Badge can be issued to:
Men who were
conscripted directly into the mines, 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.
Please note:
The Bevin Boys Veterans Badge is a
survivors badge and can only be issued
posthumously after the date of introduction – 20
June 2007.
If your relative died before that date Warwick
recommends that you consider
The Bevin Boys Medal - see below.
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.
Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks MP 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."
"It is with honour and gratitude that we recognise their tremendous work with the award of this special badge. It is important that we never forget the sacrifices that were made both at home and abroad during the war. If you are a Bevin Boy, or you know someone who is, please come forward to claim this fitting tribute."
All Bevin Boys, be they ballottees, optants or volunteers, are eligible to apply. Applications will also be accepted from widows of Bevin Boys who passed away on or after the 20 June 2007, the date when the announcement of the badge was made. This is provided a copy of the marriage and death certificate are attached to the application form.
The first badges will be issued in March, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy.
