Today's most viewed
Bevin Boy's badge of honour
 |
| RECOGNITION: Warwick Taylor with the Bevan Boys' badge |
THE Bevin Boys were the forgotten conscripts of the last war but one man has campaigned tirelessly from his Beaminster home for the recognition their war work deserves.
Now with Tony Blair's announcement that the Bevin Boys are to get their own badge, Warwick Taylor, and 60 of his comrades, are going to celebrate the success of the campaign at the House of Commons on Thursday.
Warwick Taylor, 80, the vice president of the Bevin Boys Association, its historian, archivist, social secretary and its publicity officer, said: "We are getting a badge. We really wanted a medal originally but this is wonderful news at last we have surfaced.
"I have been working behind the scenes for for at least the last 15 years intensively with the Department of Defence, who then handed it over to the Department of Trade and Industry who are handing it now because of course it is a civilian job we were doing.
"It is wonderful to succeed at last. Of course we did have some help from Gordon Banks MP and he has invited us to a reception to celebrate at the House of Commons next Thursday. Rather than campaigning we will be celebrating and guess who has had or organise it? Normally I organise events 18 months in advance but I only got a fortnight's notice for this."
The badge is an upright oval shape with the words Bevin Boys inscribed on the top and Veteran at the bottom with and engraving that includes a miner's head and helmet.
"We shall wear it with pride. We have 2,200 members of the association at the moment but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if a lot more don't come out of the woodwork now they are going to get something."
Mr Taylor said they would not be getting the badges until next year.
Mr Taylor has written a book on the Bevin Boys published by Babash Ryan Publishing. He was awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours list in 2000 for his services to the association.
Mr Taylor wanted to join the RAF and was in the air training corps for three years before falling foul of the ballot that saw 48,000 boys and young men sent down 1,800 mines all over the country instead of going to fight in the war.
He said: "It wasn't very nice I can assure you. It was dirty, filthy, dusty and dangerous. Of course it did teach me one thing - that was to respect the miner. You don't realise until you experience it."
The Bevin Boys took their name from the wartime Minister of Labour and National Service Ernest Bevin, who announced before the House of Commons 60 years ago on December 2 that thousands of young men would be going down the mines.
Mr Taylor now lives at Poundbury.
12:26pm Wednesday 27th June 2007
Print 
Email this 
CommentPosted by: Patrick Casey, Kent on 12:35pm Thu 5 Jul 07
[italic]"Bevan Boy's badge of honour. By Rene Gerryts"[/italic]
Oh, dear.
Ernest Bevin (the wartime Minister of Labour) was never Aneurin Bevan. Bevan was the chappy who introduced the NHS by [italic]"stuffing their (the BMA's) mouths with gold"[/italic]
A quick course in social and political history required in the editorial department?
Best wishes.
"Bevan Boy's badge of honour. By Rene Gerryts"
Oh, dear.
Ernest Bevin (the wartime Minister of Labour) was never Aneurin Bevan. Bevan was the chappy who introduced the NHS by
"stuffing their (the BMA's) mouths with gold"
A quick course in social and political history required in the editorial department?
Best wishes.
Posted by: Norman Davies, Liverpool on 6:20pm Mon 16 Jul 07
Great news that the Bevin Boys are to be awarded a medal for all they did during WW2. I myself was not a Bevin Boy because I was not born until 1946 but I am trying to get a medal awarded to my father who passed away in 1980. This award would bring much comfort to my mother who is still alive and active aged 79.ND
Great news that the Bevin Boys are to be awarded a medal for all they did during WW2. I myself was not a Bevin Boy because I was not born until 1946 but I am trying to get a medal awarded to my father who passed away in 1980. This award would bring much comfort to my mother who is still alive and active aged 79.ND
Posted by: albert levens, knowsley village prescot merseyside on 6:59pm Sat 4 Aug 07
it,s about time that that there was some reconition for the work was carried out by the miners during ww2.hving to contend with the danger of pit falls apart from the dusty working conditions.i myself worked down the pit for two years 1950/52 but conditions were much improved by good luck in everything that achieve you deserve it
it,s about time that that there was some reconition for the work was carried out by the miners during ww2.hving to contend with the danger of pit falls apart from the dusty working conditions.i myself worked down the pit for two years 1950/52 but conditions were much improved by good luck in everything that achieve you deserve it
Posted by: Michelle Carr, County Durham on 9:48am Fri 17 Aug 07
My fiance's father ( John MacKenzie Pallister ) was a Bevan Boy during the war in Low Fell. He was in either the Betty or the Alma pit. We aren't entirely sure which but we could look into it and provide more details. We would appreciate details on how he can get his badge of recognition as he is 81 next month and his health is very poor.
Hope to hear from you soon.
My fiance's father ( John MacKenzie Pallister ) was a Bevan Boy during the war in Low Fell. He was in either the Betty or the Alma pit. We aren't entirely sure which but we could look into it and provide more details. We would appreciate details on how he can get his badge of recognition as he is 81 next month and his health is very poor.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Posted by: Dr. James Barbour, Greasby on 12:06am Tue 28 Aug 07
I worked as a Bevin Boy in Scotland where I was born. In Plean Pit and Woolmet Pit 4 miles from Edinburgh. Then I worked in General Medical Practice but did not get my mouth stuffed with gold only long hours and hard work.
I worked as a Bevin Boy in Scotland where I was born. In Plean Pit and Woolmet Pit 4 miles from Edinburgh. Then I worked in General Medical Practice but did not get my mouth stuffed with gold only long hours and hard work.
Posted by: Cora Morris on 4:31pm Sun 11 Nov 07
My late father, Leonard Walter Burgess,worked as a Bevan Boy during the war, in the Wigan area of Lancashire. His last "posting" was at Bamfurlong Pit in the Ashton area of Wigan. Having been "called up" to the Fleet Air Arm, he found himself posted underground and felt, strongly, the Bevan Boys were amongst the "forgotten" heroes of the war. Sadly, he passed away before the announcement that this band of heroes were, at last, to get official recognition for their service, it would have given him so much pleasure to know that his own "war effort" had, finally, been recognised. Is there any way in which his badge could be awarded posthumously, as I know that my mother, who is now in her eightieth year, would be very proud to receive it on his behalf?
My late father, Leonard Walter Burgess,worked as a Bevan Boy during the war, in the Wigan area of Lancashire. His last "posting" was at Bamfurlong Pit in the Ashton area of Wigan. Having been "called up" to the Fleet Air Arm, he found himself posted underground and felt, strongly, the Bevan Boys were amongst the "forgotten" heroes of the war. Sadly, he passed away before the announcement that this band of heroes were, at last, to get official recognition for their service, it would have given him so much pleasure to know that his own "war effort" had, finally, been recognised. Is there any way in which his badge could be awarded posthumously, as I know that my mother, who is now in her eightieth year, would be very proud to receive it on his behalf?
Posted by: Mrs G Morrow, Northampton on 12:03pm Mon 12 Nov 07
My late father,Vincent Lane started underground when he was 14, he was born in 1916 he paseed away in 1967 aged 51. He worked at Big Pit Colliery, and finished in 1939, when he got married. He was always unwell, what I can remember.But he went on the work in Open Cast Mining for both Taylor Woodrow, and Macalpine, up until a few years before he died.
For some reason unbeknown to me, my Mum never benefited from the Miners Payout, but he was a Bevan Boy, he wanted to go to war, but he was told he would be better serving his country at home,he was also St John's Ambulance Trained for accidents underground.I'm not sure if my Mum who is 92 yrs old,will be awarded a Bevan Boy badge, it wold be lovely if she was.
My late father,Vincent Lane started underground when he was 14, he was born in 1916 he paseed away in 1967 aged 51. He worked at Big Pit Colliery, and finished in 1939, when he got married. He was always unwell, what I can remember.But he went on the work in Open Cast Mining for both Taylor Woodrow, and Macalpine, up until a few years before he died.
For some reason unbeknown to me, my Mum never benefited from the Miners Payout, but he was a Bevan Boy, he wanted to go to war, but he was told he would be better serving his country at home,he was also St John's Ambulance Trained for accidents underground.I'm not sure if my Mum who is 92 yrs old,will be awarded a Bevan Boy badge, it wold be lovely if she was.
Posted by: Doreen Hill, France on 3:12pm Mon 12 Nov 07
My father a miner from the age of 14 when he left school, in West Bromwich, as was his father and elder brother. He left for a while, only to be sent back down when was broke out, no choice, his employer was told to tell him to report to the pit next day for the early morning shift. He was a miner until the pit was closed after Nationalisation. Although he passed away in 1990,I am so proud of him and would appreciate a badge so much.
My father a miner from the age of 14 when he left school, in West Bromwich, as was his father and elder brother. He left for a while, only to be sent back down when was broke out, no choice, his employer was told to tell him to report to the pit next day for the early morning shift. He was a miner until the pit was closed after Nationalisation. Although he passed away in 1990,I am so proud of him and would appreciate a badge so much.
Posted by: John Law, Surrey on 10:18pm Tue 13 Nov 07
Father was a Bevan Boy, '44-45, Seaham Colliery. Came home in a terrible state, underweight, emaciated, people thought that he had been a POW in the Far-East.
He was put to work in a market garden to build his stamina and physique back up.
In 1947 he received his call-up papers to carry out his National Service with the RAF.
Are any of you on the site aware of this occurring previously?
My father was Robert Crozier Law, died aged 63, 1990..
Father was a Bevan Boy, '44-45, Seaham Colliery. Came home in a terrible state, underweight, emaciated, people thought that he had been a POW in the Far-East.
He was put to work in a market garden to build his stamina and physique back up.
In 1947 he received his call-up papers to carry out his National Service with the RAF.
Are any of you on the site aware of this occurring previously?
My father was Robert Crozier Law, died aged 63, 1990..
Posted by: Antony Booker, Newmarket on 6:31pm Wed 14 Nov 07
My wife's father worked at Chesterly Street as a Bevan boy. He died seven years ago but my wife has always believed he should have had some recognition. He was buried twice after a mine collapse. Can these boys have a posthumous badge.
Tony
My wife's father worked at Chesterly Street as a Bevan boy. He died seven years ago but my wife has always believed he should have had some recognition. He was buried twice after a mine collapse. Can these boys have a posthumous badge.
Tony
Posted by: John Enell on 5:03pm Tue 27 Nov 07
I worked in the mining industry in Lancashire from 1960 to 1965. I was a fitter working on coal face machinery and other equipment underground. It was hard work in dirty and dusty conditions, but that was in the 1960's when conditions were much improved underground. The Bevin Boys did not opt out of joining the fighting forces, they were conscripted into a different type of work for the country at war, and it has taken a long time for them to be given the recognition they deserve. It takes those of us who have worked underground in better conditions than they worked, to spread the word about their valued service.
I worked in the mining industry in Lancashire from 1960 to 1965. I was a fitter working on coal face machinery and other equipment underground. It was hard work in dirty and dusty conditions, but that was in the 1960's when conditions were much improved underground. The Bevin Boys did not opt out of joining the fighting forces, they were conscripted into a different type of work for the country at war, and it has taken a long time for them to be given the recognition they deserve. It takes those of us who have worked underground in better conditions than they worked, to spread the word about their valued service.
Posted by: Ian Ogden, Vancouver Canada on 5:34am Sun 6 Jan 08
My Father was a Bevan Boy. Could you advise me wgere he could "apply" for the Badge.
Regards,
Ian
My Father was a Bevan Boy. Could you advise me wgere he could "apply" for the Badge.
Regards,
Ian
Posted by: J Fleming, Leicester on 3:39pm Mon 21 Jan 08
My wife's dad was a Bevin Boy. About time he and his pals were awarded something. Well done to all involved in the campaign. Can anyone tell me where to apply for the badge?
My wife's dad was a Bevin Boy. About time he and his pals were awarded something. Well done to all involved in the campaign. Can anyone tell me where to apply for the badge?
Posted by: Martin.D.S.Brown, Gorleston.Gt Yarmouth.Norfolk on 6:40pm Mon 28 Jan 08
I was a Bevan Boy from Dec 1944 to 1947 and served at Kirkby in Ashfield Notts after training at Cresswell colliery,would be obliged if someone can tell me where to obtain my badge.
I was a Bevan Boy from Dec 1944 to 1947 and served at Kirkby in Ashfield Notts after training at Cresswell colliery,would be obliged if someone can tell me where to obtain my badge.
Posted by: Linda Ridgway, Wiltshire on 2:10am Thu 31 Jan 08
My grandfather Owen Jones was sent back down the mines during the war. Please can someone let me know how I can apply to get a badge for him, to give to my mum (aged 84). Thank you.
My grandfather Owen Jones was sent back down the mines during the war. Please can someone let me know how I can apply to get a badge for him, to give to my mum (aged 84). Thank you.
Posted by: Leanne Hill, Coventry on 3:26pm Sat 23 Feb 08
My grandad, Harold Hill was a Bevan Boy and originally served at Breeton Quarry from the age of 18. He served as a Miner for 37 years, at numerous pits and was so very proud to have done so. The stories of his times underground were endless! Sadly, he passed away in July 2006. I have read in my local newspaper that the Bevan Boy badge will not be given posthumously to those who have passed away. Does anyone else know if this is true? If so, I think it is outrageous and very upsetting. Almost like if you aren't here anymore, then it doesn't matter. Any advice would be welcome.
My grandad, Harold Hill was a Bevan Boy and originally served at Breeton Quarry from the age of 18. He served as a Miner for 37 years, at numerous pits and was so very proud to have done so. The stories of his times underground were endless! Sadly, he passed away in July 2006. I have read in my local newspaper that the Bevan Boy badge will not be given posthumously to those who have passed away. Does anyone else know if this is true? If so, I think it is outrageous and very upsetting. Almost like if you aren't here anymore, then it doesn't matter. Any advice would be welcome.
Posted by: penny Burnett, Surrey on 5:37pm Sun 24 Feb 08
It is interesting to note that it has been decided that the badge will only be awarded to those Bevan Boys who are still alive. My father died nearly 7 years ago and my mother has been told she is not eligible to receive it posthumously by the minister concerned, so yes it it true. My brothers along with my mother would be interested to hear from others who would like to lobby for this badge to be awarded regardelss of whether these men are still living or not.
It is interesting to note that it has been decided that the badge will only be awarded to those Bevan Boys who are still alive. My father died nearly 7 years ago and my mother has been told she is not eligible to receive it posthumously by the minister concerned, so yes it it true. My brothers along with my mother would be interested to hear from others who would like to lobby for this badge to be awarded regardelss of whether these men are still living or not.
Posted by: Janet Assheton, Hemel Hempstead on 4:24pm Tue 4 Mar 08
My late Dad was a Bevin Boy, he was at Bentley Colliery,Near Doncaster, he met and married a villiage girl, brought her to London, then they got a house in a new town called Hemel Hempstead. Can I apply for a medal for him??
My late Dad was a Bevin Boy, he was at Bentley Colliery,Near Doncaster, he met and married a villiage girl, brought her to London, then they got a house in a new town called Hemel Hempstead. Can I apply for a medal for him??
Posted by: John Law on 10:00pm Wed 5 Mar 08
Great Website,
Any thought taken to the lads
who did their service in the collieries then were called up in 1949-1950 to do National Service, about 1000 or so missed the exemption
order and were caught again in the service to your country regime.
Anyone out there in that unique club?[bold]bold[/bold]
Great Website,
Any thought taken to the lads
who did their service in the collieries then were called up in 1949-1950 to do National Service, about 1000 or so missed the exemption
order and were caught again in the service to your country regime.
Anyone out there in that unique club?
Posted by: pauline woodford, hertsfordshire on 8:47pm Sun 16 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Martin.D.S.Brown[/bold] wrote:
I was a Bevan Boy from Dec 1944 to 1947 and served at Kirkby in Ashfield Notts after training at Cresswell colliery,would be obliged if someone can tell me where to obtain my badge.[/quote] hello i wounder if you can help me i have been trying to find anyone that may of known my dear late father Arther woodford nick name was (killer)he was at the same colliery as a bevin boy i have been trying so long to find someone or even a photo of him with his friends my mother sadly has passedway now only 3 weeks ago so sadly she will never know if i had any luck she would love to of seen it but lucky she did see all my work and all waht i have found out what life was like for my father please help if you can many thanks for your time paline woodford (daughter)
Martin.D.S.Brown wrote:
I was a Bevan Boy from Dec 1944 to 1947 and served at Kirkby in Ashfield Notts after training at Cresswell colliery,would be obliged if someone can tell me where to obtain my badge.
hello i wounder if you can help me i have been trying to find anyone that may of known my dear late father Arther woodford nick name was (killer)he was at the same colliery as a bevin boy i have been trying so long to find someone or even a photo of him with his friends my mother sadly has passedway now only 3 weeks ago so sadly she will never know if i had any luck she would love to of seen it but lucky she did see all my work and all waht i have found out what life was like for my father please help if you can many thanks for your time paline woodford (daughter)
Posted by: linda woolley, stockport on 8:37am Tue 25 Mar 08
my father was a Bevan boy in the northwest of england could you please let me know how i can obtain a badge for him
my father was a Bevan boy in the northwest of england could you please let me know how i can obtain a badge for him
Posted by: Margaret Goodman, Beckenham Kent on 10:19am Tue 25 Mar 08
My husband was in No.2 Penrhwceiber Pit S.Wales from age 14 to approx 18 yrs. He is John Simon Goodman (30.11.25)previously of Abercynon, S.Wales. He is now 82 yrs old.
As he suffer with Domentia he cannot give me precise details. Is he elligible for a medal.
MargaretGoodman.
My husband was in No.2 Penrhwceiber Pit S.Wales from age 14 to approx 18 yrs. He is John Simon Goodman (30.11.25)previously of Abercynon, S.Wales. He is now 82 yrs old.
As he suffer with Domentia he cannot give me precise details. Is he elligible for a medal.
MargaretGoodman.
Posted by: dennison, surrey on 5:26pm Tue 25 Mar 08
my dear husband was taken out of univercity at age 18 and a half and put in the mines as a bevan boy at bowburn pit in durham. He had a very serious accident and it took over 3 hrs to bring him to the surface.Hdied 10 years ago and i just wish he had lived long enough to know that they are now able to join the forces at the cenataph and now they are being recognised with some kind of a medal I have been informed thati as his widow cant receive it on his behalf ,I know my son would like to have this recognition of his fathers and then pass it on to his son, after all there cant be many of these these boys left now to hand them to
my dear husband was taken out of univercity at age 18 and a half and put in the mines as a bevan boy at bowburn pit in durham. He had a very serious accident and it took over 3 hrs to bring him to the surface.Hdied 10 years ago and i just wish he had lived long enough to know that they are now able to join the forces at the cenataph and now they are being recognised with some kind of a medal I have been informed thati as his widow cant receive it on his behalf ,I know my son would like to have this recognition of his fathers and then pass it on to his son, after all there cant be many of these these boys left now to hand them to
Posted by: linda mitchell, airdrie,lanarkshire on 7:18pm Tue 25 Mar 08
My father Walter Hollinsworth born in Lonrigg,Longriggend,
Caldercruix,Aidrie who is now 81 years of age was called up at the young age of 18. He went on to work in the mines until 1956-57. He received his badge today - Thanks.
My father Walter Hollinsworth born in Lonrigg,Longriggend,
Caldercruix,Aidrie who is now 81 years of age was called up at the young age of 18. He went on to work in the mines until 1956-57. He received his badge today - Thanks.
Posted by: Karen Roche, Barnsley on 8:06pm Tue 25 Mar 08
My father worked in the pit during the war and a long time after. He was also injured and suffers still today. The badge would be a small recognition for his hard work and dedication. Can you tell me how I go about applying for this
Thanks
My father worked in the pit during the war and a long time after. He was also injured and suffers still today. The badge would be a small recognition for his hard work and dedication. Can you tell me how I go about applying for this
Thanks
Posted by: Drew Steel, blackpool on 8:41pm Tue 25 Mar 08
For those with computers, go here for info and application form:
http://www.veterans-
uk.info/bevin_boys/b
evin_boys.html
For telephone contact, phone the VETERANS AGENCY on 0800 169 2277. Good luck and God Bless
For those with computers, go here for info and application form:
http://www.veterans-
uk.info/bevin_boys/b
evin_boys.html
For telephone contact, phone the VETERANS AGENCY on 0800 169 2277. Good luck and God Bless
Posted by: patrick banham, stockport on 9:05pm Tue 25 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Martin.D.S.Brown[/bold] wrote:
I was a Bevan Boy from Dec 1944 to 1947 and served at Kirkby in Ashfield Notts after training at Cresswell colliery,would be obliged if someone can tell me where to obtain my badge.[/quote] hi martin, my dad was at cresswell for his traing during the war , he also came from norfolk( southwalsham )im sure you must have loads to chat about and he has his medal , please email me
( zosoman23@aol.com ) and ill giechange details
thanks
pat
Martin.D.S.Brown wrote:
I was a Bevan Boy from Dec 1944 to 1947 and served at Kirkby in Ashfield Notts after training at Cresswell colliery,would be obliged if someone can tell me where to obtain my badge.
hi martin, my dad was at cresswell for his traing during the war , he also came from norfolk( southwalsham )im sure you must have loads to chat about and he has his medal , please email me
( zosoman23@aol.com ) and ill giechange details
thanks
pat
Posted by: Ann Leeder (nee Turner), Aylesbury on 12:14am Wed 26 Mar 08
My father, William Turner was a Bevin boy in a Lancashire mine from age 14 all through the war years, and stayed in the pits for many years after the war ended. Unfortunately, he died in 1998, from what was possibly occupational related disease. He would have been so proud to have received the badge because he like other Bevin boys felt their war efforts were not recognised. My mother, my sister and I would love to have the badge on his behalf. I feel disgusted that it can't be presented posthumously.
My father, William Turner was a Bevin boy in a Lancashire mine from age 14 all through the war years, and stayed in the pits for many years after the war ended. Unfortunately, he died in 1998, from what was possibly occupational related disease. He would have been so proud to have received the badge because he like other Bevin boys felt their war efforts were not recognised. My mother, my sister and I would love to have the badge on his behalf. I feel disgusted that it can't be presented posthumously.
Posted by: brian wylie, Bradford west yorks on 9:50am Wed 26 Mar 08
great news about the recognition long overdue to the Bevan boys, How does one go about getting the badge as I have a pensioner friend who would require the details. Well done for all the hard work.
great news about the recognition long overdue to the Bevan boys, How does one go about getting the badge as I have a pensioner friend who would require the details. Well done for all the hard work.
Posted by: Deb Humpherson, southampton on 5:12pm Wed 26 Mar 08
My Dad, Thomas Wilson was a Bevin boy at the age of 14 at Radford pit in Nottingham and stayed working in the pits until he was forced to take early retirement due to ill health. He died in 1994, from emphysema and chronic bronchitis. I,too,feel disgusted that the badge can't be presented posthumously, I'm sure mum would be very proud to accept this on his behalf. It would also serve as a thank you to her for tirelessly nursing him through this herendous industrial disease.[quote]quote[/quote]
My Dad, Thomas Wilson was a Bevin boy at the age of 14 at Radford pit in Nottingham and stayed working in the pits until he was forced to take early retirement due to ill health. He died in 1994, from emphysema and chronic bronchitis. I,too,feel disgusted that the badge can't be presented posthumously, I'm sure mum would be very proud to accept this on his behalf. It would also serve as a thank you to her for tirelessly nursing him through this herendous industrial disease.
quote
Posted by: michael eggleton, halifax on 10:28pm Wed 26 Mar 08
my dad was a bevan boy he passed on march 1976 but still deserves a medal which would be great for the grandchildren he never knew or never knew him
my dad was a bevan boy he passed on march 1976 but still deserves a medal which would be great for the grandchildren he never knew or never knew him
Posted by: Ian Marsh, Brierley Hill, West Midlands on 8:59am Fri 28 Mar 08
My Grandfather,who is now 87, served down the mines during & after the second world war. The badge would be a small recognition for his hard work and dedication. Can you tell me how I go about applying for this.
Many Thanks
Ian
My Grandfather,who is now 87, served down the mines during & after the second world war. The badge would be a small recognition for his hard work and dedication. Can you tell me how I go about applying for this.
Many Thanks
Ian
Posted by: william evans, west glamorgan on 11:59am Fri 28 Mar 08
I went underground at seven sisters collery in 1942 age 14. Any underground worker could not leave the mines during the war period as it was a reserved occupation. I managed to leave in 1945 and joined the navy for eight years. My question is , I was not called up to work in the coal mines during the war but like all miners could not leave. are we not therefore entiled to the badge as well?
I went underground at seven sisters collery in 1942 age 14. Any underground worker could not leave the mines during the war period as it was a reserved occupation. I managed to leave in 1945 and joined the navy for eight years. My question is , I was not called up to work in the coal mines during the war but like all miners could not leave. are we not therefore entiled to the badge as well?
Posted by: Bridport News, Bridport on 2:08pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Following recent comments posted here, please view the links section of this story for a recently added link to a site with information on how to go about applying for a badge.
Following recent comments posted here, please view the links section of this story for a recently added link to a site with information on how to go about applying for a badge.
Posted by: Adam Gale, London on 10:25pm Wed 16 Apr 08
My grandfather, who has sadly passed away was also a Bevin Boy, and as with his many comrades, spent the war effort unrecognised until now, down in the mines - where he ended up contracting TB of the spine following an injury, and suffored a long recovery process.
I agreee fully that it is most disrespectful that those that are no longer with us are not being recognised. Sadly, my grandmother is no longer alive either, but for those partners that are still with us - those that had to endure the long periods separated from their loved ones, the small act of honouring them poshumously would surely have been a small gesture to make.
As an aside, I came across this site by a simple Google search for Bevin Boys - how fitting that my grandparents both spent a great deal of time holidaying in Bridport - and in turn, most of my family either live, or have spent a good deal of time there.
My grandfather, who has sadly passed away was also a Bevin Boy, and as with his many comrades, spent the war effort unrecognised until now, down in the mines - where he ended up contracting TB of the spine following an injury, and suffored a long recovery process.
I agreee fully that it is most disrespectful that those that are no longer with us are not being recognised. Sadly, my grandmother is no longer alive either, but for those partners that are still with us - those that had to endure the long periods separated from their loved ones, the small act of honouring them poshumously would surely have been a small gesture to make.
As an aside, I came across this site by a simple Google search for Bevin Boys - how fitting that my grandparents both spent a great deal of time holidaying in Bridport - and in turn, most of my family either live, or have spent a good deal of time there.
Posted by: elizabeth turley, north wales on 8:15pm Thu 17 Apr 08
my dad thomas comerford was a bevan boy in the north west .my dad also had tb and lost one lung and had a shadow on the other one my dad came from ireland killkenny. he sent money home to his mom he has sadley died 10 years ago.my dad used to tell me the stories when i was a little girl.its sad that he didnt receve a medal. i would wear it with pride.
my dad thomas comerford was a bevan boy in the north west .my dad also had tb and lost one lung and had a shadow on the other one my dad came from ireland killkenny. he sent money home to his mom he has sadley died 10 years ago.my dad used to tell me the stories when i was a little girl.its sad that he didnt receve a medal. i would wear it with pride.
Posted by: Archie Hoey, Greenock Nr Glasgow on 10:11pm Tue 13 May 08
I was a bevin boy january 1945 trained a horden later at mainforth colliery ferryhill would like to contact tommy walker hamilton billy kyle glasgow or bill strachan peterhead
I was a bevin boy january 1945 trained a horden later at mainforth colliery ferryhill would like to contact tommy walker hamilton billy kyle glasgow or bill strachan peterhead
What are these links for?
If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content we've made it easy for you to do it.
At the bottom of all articles, you'll see links to six sites. These sites - commonly called 'social bookmark' or 'social news' sites - have large communities of web users who share and rate interesting, useful and fun things on the web.
Clicking the links will automatically add the address of the story you are reading to one of these sites, letting you share it with others. Each site will ask you to register to share stories. Registration is free and once a member, you can store, recommend and search for stories that interest you.
More on Digg
More on del.icio.us
More on Furl
More on reddit
More on NowPublic/
More on Yahoo!
