Dr Brian Iddon MP in call to Bevin Boys |
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5th December 2007 Dr Brian Iddon is calling on all surviving Bevin Boys to come forward to claim their veterans badge as a tribute to their hard work and sacrifice during and after World War Two. The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced in 1943 by the then Minister for Labour and National Service Ernest Bevin, in response to the increasing shortage of labour in the coal mining industry. The scheme ran between 1943 and 1948 and involved recruiting men aged between 18-25 years to work in the coal mines rather than in the armed forces. Around 48,000 men were selected or volunteered under the scheme. Dr Iddon says, “I am delighted that after many years of campaigning the Bevin Boys will finally get the recognition they deserve for their hard work. The first badges will be issued from March 2008 to coincide with the 60th Anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy. I would urge any Bevin Boys to contact the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency helpline 0800 1692277/ 01253 866043 to complete an application form for their badge.” All Bevin Boys, whether ballottees, optants or volunteers are eligible to apply for these special badges as are the widows of Bevin Boys who passed away on or after 20th June 2007.
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| Editors' notes |
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1. To Apply for a Bevin Boys Badge please contact the Service Personnel and veteran Agency on 0800 1692277 or 01253 866043 or via their website www.veteransagency.co.uk 2. For further information, please contact Brian Iddon's Westminster office on 0207 219 2096 |