Bevan Boys Badge - 23rd Aug, 2007

Sian James MP has welcomed the announcement of the new Bevan Boys Badge by the Government.

A Badge, which formally recognises the contribution made by the Bevin Boys who worked in the UK coalfields during and immediately after World War Two, has been announced by the Government.

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.

The application process for the new lapel Badge will be introduced towards the end of 2007, with a view to awarding the first Badge in March next year to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy.

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.

Sian James MP said:-

"This special Badge will give recognition to the tremendous work done and the sense of gratitude the we owe to the Bevin Boys.

"These men played a key role in keeping a vital industry going during World War Two and it is with honour and gratitude that we recognise their important contribution with a lapel Badge.

"The Government has worked closely with the Bevin Boys Association to ensure that the design of the Badge suitably reflects the work they carried out. 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."

Warwick Taylor, Vice President of the Bevin Boys Association said:

"I am extremely pleased to see the introduction of this Badge, which recognises a sometimes forgotten group of men who were either selected or volunteered to serve their country by not fighting in the war to ensure that those at home and on the front line were able to keep the war effort going. I look forward to seeing the first Badge next year."

More Information on the Bevan Boys and scheme:-

1. The Bevin Boys scheme was partly arbitrary with one in every ten conscripts being selected by ballot. Research suggests, however, that a greater number of men volunteered or opted for the mines in preference to the Armed Forces.

2. Of the 48,000 Bevin Boys some 43% were conscripted directly into the mines and are known more generally as "ballotees". The remaining 57% were 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. Only those who fall into these categories will be eligible for the Badge.

3. Famous Bevin Boys included Sir Jimmy Savile, Lord Brian Rix and the late Eric Morecambe.

4. Based on the uptake for the MoD HM Armed Forces Veteran's Badge we expect there to be in the region of 6,000-11,000 applicants for the new Badge.

5. The Bevin Boys Badge is a survivors badge and can be worn in public to visibly raise awareness of the important role they played during World War Two and in the post-war reconstruction of the UK. Widows and estates will not be eligible.

6. The application process for the Badge will be launched towards the end of the year and will be co-ordinated by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA). With a view to the first Badge being awarded to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the demobilisation of the final Bevin Boys in March 2008.

7. The Bevin Boys Association next annual meeting will be in April next year where it is hoped badges will be presented to some of the Bevin Boys in person.