Dai Havard

Labour Party | Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney

Bevin Boys Veterans Badge

It is important that we never forget the sacrifices that were made both at home and abroad during World War II.  If you are a Bevin Boy, or know someone who is, please come forward to claim this fitting tribute. After a long campaign we have secured recognition of the vital contribution Bevan Boys made in WWII, in the form of a unique veterans badge as a tribute.

These heroes in our community helped to keep the coal fields running during the war and in the post-war reconstruction of Britain. With the decline of coal and the rise of oil we can forget now just how important their contribution was.

The first badges will be issued in March next year, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the ‘demobbing’ of the last Bevin Boy., so I am calling on all surviving Bevin Boys to now come forward to claim their overdue award. You can contact my constituency office for information on 01685 379 247.

The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced in 1943 by Ernie Bevin the then Minister for Labour and National Service, to man the pits. Some volunteered but many were ‘drafted’ into it by ballot and not allowed top take up active military service. The scheme ran between 1943 and 1948 with some 48,000 men were either selected or volunteered under the scheme. Some came to South Wales from other parts of the UK but some were local men who stayed on as miners; but all can claim if they started out as Bevin Boys.

It is with honour and gratitude that we recognise their tremendous work with the award of this special badge to all Bevin Boys, whether they opted to work in the pits; volunteered or were ‘drafted’ by ballot. Widows of Bevin Boys who passed way on or after 20th June 2007 can and should also apply.

If you think you may be eligible, or you know of someone in your family or community who qualifies I urge you to complete an application form, available from my office or by calling the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency helpline on 0800 169 227 or 01253 866043, or by visiting www.veteransagency.co.uk.