Recognition for the Bevin Boys 60 years after demob

Sixty years ago, the last of the Bevin Boys was demobbed. Called up to work in the country’s coal mines during the second world war, one in ten young men aged 18 to 25 was sent to the coalfields rather than to the front.

The scheme only became necessary because the war-time government had failed to understand the important role that coal miners played in keeping the country’s war effort going, and badly needed to replace those sent off on active military service.

The work was hard and dangerous, and came as a terrible shock to many of those sent deep underground, some of whom might otherwise have expected a commission in the armed forces.

Those who served as Bevin Boys have often felt neglected, and even in war-time their role was misunderstood. Because they were not in uniform, they were often stopped by the police or branded as cowards by the ignorant.

So it is good to see that the Department of Trade and Industry is finally recognising the efforts of the 48,000 men who were conscripted (about 43% of them) or volunteered (57%) for this work by introducing a badge (shown here) that will be available to the surviving Bevin Boys.

Speaking at Question Time today prime minister Tony Blair said: "This special badge will give recognition to the tremendous work done and the sense of gratitude the country owes to the Bevin Boys."

Energy minister Lord Truscott added: "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 this lapel badge.

"We have 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."

Famous Bevin Boys included Brian Rix, the late Eric Morecambe and Jimmy Savile, who later recalled, “I went down as a boy and came up as a man."

According to the Department of Trade and Industry, based on the uptake for the MoD HM Armed Forces Veteran's Badge in the region of 6,000-11,000 applicants are expected for the new badge.

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.

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.