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Bevin Boys War Contribution
Over two hundred local people have now received the Ministry of Defence Veterans Badge in recognition of their service in our armed forces. I was extremely pleased to see the introduction of a special Badge which formally recognises the contribution made by the Bevin Boys who worked in the UK coalfields during and immediately after World War Two. The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced in 1943 by then Minster 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 48,000 men between the ages of 18 and 25 who worked in coal mines rather than serve in the armed forces. These men played a key role in keeping a vital industry going during World War Two. The lapel Badge has been designed in consultation with the Bevin Boys’ Association. The application process for the new lapel Badge will be introduced towards the end of the year 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.
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