The talk is concerned with the coal industry during and just after the Second World War, in particular with the role of young men directed to the mines. These recruits (conscripts, volunteers and optants) came to be known as Bevin Boys, named after Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour in the coalition Government. Nearly 50,000 men were directed to the mines under the terms of National Service.
| Boy's Own Paper, Front Cover November 1844 Edition (click thumbnail for larger picture) |
Use is made of 20 interviews carried out with Bevin Boys, in which they give their reminiscences.
All talks are given with the aid of a Powerpoint presentation.