Throughout the cataclysm of the Second World War, they were armed with nothing more than a shovel and when the air raids were to fall silent in 1945 their work was far from over.

The Bevin Boys represent the forgotten servicemen of the conflict and yet they played a fundamental part in pulling Britain out of the energy crisis which underpinned the whole war effort. This crisis was maximised by the fact that many people who had worked on the mines prior to 1939 were conscripted into the forces – thus leaving a distinct workforce shortage at home.

Around forty eight thousand boys were sent down to the mines as a result of the conflict with many developing fatal symptoms as a results.

Named after Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour and National Service, they were presented with a pair of boots and a hard hat and sent into the mines - essentially to dig for victory.

Sixty long years on, the Bevin Boys have finally received the recognition which they undoubtedly deserve. Twenty seven of the original “boys” have received badges to commemorate their years of service from British Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Amongst these was television presenter Sir Jimmy Saville who stated –

“The fact that 60 years later somebody says ‘Here’s a medal for what you did’ comes as a tremendous surprise and honour.”

Bevin constructed a ballot system to select certain percentages of conscripted men to return to the mines instead of join the armed forces. Yet this represented an enormous disappointment to those young men who were filled with excitement at the prospect of experiencing first hand combat and directly helping to rid the world of Nazism.

Their commemoration is not only entirely justified but also long overdue.

Interesting Items:
Are you looking for School Lockers
the www.exclusivemirrors.co.uk web site
Buy the Latest Fashion Boots
School trip
3D Locker Solutions Website