Called Up, Sent Down: The Bevin Boys Who Helped Win the War

The Bevin Boys were a group of young men who were conscripted to work in the coal mines during the Second World War. They were named after Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour and National Service, who introduced the conscription scheme in 1943.

Called Up, Sent Down: The Bevin Boys' War

by Tom Hickman

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9275 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	389 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Bevin Boys were aged between 18 and 25, and they came from all walks of life. Some were miners' sons, while others had no experience of working underground. They were all sent to work in the coal mines, where they faced dangerous and difficult conditions.

The Bevin Boys played a vital role in the war effort. They helped to keep the country supplied with fuel, which was essential for the running of the war machine. They also worked long hours in dangerous conditions, and they often risked their lives to do so.

The Bevin Boys made a significant contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War. They were a group of ordinary young men who did an extraordinary job. They deserve to be remembered for their bravery and their sacrifice.

The Conscription Scheme

The Bevin Boys conscription scheme was introduced in 1943, at a time when the war effort was at its height. The government was desperate for manpower, and the coal mines were in particular need of workers.

Under the scheme, all men aged between 18 and 25 who were not already in the armed forces or in essential war work were liable to be conscripted to work in the coal mines.

The scheme was unpopular with many young men, who saw it as a way of being forced to do dangerous and unpleasant work. However, the government argued that it was necessary to ensure that the country had enough fuel to continue fighting the war.

Life in the Coal Mines

The Bevin Boys were sent to work in coal mines all over the country. They lived in hostels and worked long hours in dangerous conditions.

The work was hard and dangerous. The Bevin Boys had to work in cramped and dusty conditions, and they were often exposed to harmful gases and chemicals.

The Bevin Boys also faced the risk of accidents. Mining was a dangerous occupation, and many Bevin Boys were injured or killed while working in the mines.

The Legacy of the Bevin Boys

The Bevin Boys played a vital role in the Allied victory in the Second World War. They were a group of ordinary young men who did an extraordinary job.

The Bevin Boys deserve to be remembered for their bravery and their sacrifice. They were a group of unsung heroes who helped to win the war.

Called Up, Sent Down: The Bevin Boys' War

by Tom Hickman

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9275 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	389 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE