Bevin Boy 1945

On the 2nd December 1943 Parliament decreed that Men between 18 and 25 were to be directed into the mining Industry by Ballot. Too many miners, had been called up, resulting in a grave shortage of coal.

Imagine my surprise to find I was one of those affected. So I was directed into The Coal Mining Industry (Bevin Boy). There are those who believe that we chose this form of National Service, not so. I still have my documents which read ”Any person failing to comply with a direction under Regulation 58A of the Defence (general) Regulations is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or a fine not exceeding £100 or both. After a Month’s training in the bitter winter of 1945 being sent to a drift mine at Rhigos. South Wales. I was sent to work with a skilled Miner cutting coal. Eventually handling “Dynobel” (Explosive) and the detonator which brought down either the coal or roof as required. When I become 21, I was put to repairing by night which involved putting up 14 foot rings to make new roadways. I fulfilled my obligation in South Wales, completing three and a half years there. We received no gratuity nor Demob clothing, a difficulty on returning to office work and coupons being required. I tried to get some form of recognition for Bevin Boys, no one was interested, I even tried M.P.’s ,receiving a letter from Ness Edwards, Minister of Labour, saying “nothing doing”. British Legion pointed out they only recognised the Armed services.

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