1
In 1943 Britain's coal reserves were in crisis. War time industrial production meant a greater demand for fuel. At the same time thousands of miners had either been conscripted or had volunteered to serve in the armed forces. Addressing this serious situation, Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour and National Service, devised the system that bears his name. Between December 1943 and May 1945 one in ten men conscripted to fight in the armed services were re -directed to work in the coal mines. Young recruits from all walks of life and all areas of the country arrived at collieries, many of them in Yorkshire.What did they find? How did they fit in? How did Yorkshire welcome them? Who were the Bevin Boys? Have you a story to tell us about this time? Did you ‘walk out’ with a Bevin Boy, billet one, work with one or perhaps marry one? Would you like to share your story? Please contact us by email at education.ncm.org.uk, telephone 01924 848806 or write to the Museum.
