Sylvia Heal

Labour Party | Halesowen and Rowley Regis

Sylvia Heal welcomes commemorative Bevin Boy badge

12th December 2007

Sylvia Heal has today welcomed the new unique Veterans Badge to commemorate the work of the Bevin Boys during the Second World War, who helped keep the coal fields running during the war and during the reconstruction.

The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced by the then Minister for Labour Ernest Bevin, in response to an increasing shortage of labour in the coal mining industry. The scheme ran between 1944 and 1948 and involved recruiting men aged between 18-25 years old to work in the coal mines rather than the armed forces. Some 48,000 men were selected or volunteered for the scheme.

Sylvia Heal said: "I am delighted the Government have introduced this new badge to remember the tremendous work of the Bevin Boys, the Veterans Badge has been very successful and popular and I am sure this one will be too."

The first badges will be issued in March next year, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy. If you think you may be eligible then contact Sylvia Heal’s office on 01384 41 22 33.