IN response to Ralph Hughes (Echo, Apr 29), the Bevin Boys were awarded their long overdue Bevin Boys Veterans Badges in 2008. It took several years of campaigning to get this recognition and they were treated as a special case, similar to the Women’s Land Army and the Air Transport Auxiliary.

Of course, the regular miners deserve recognition for their part, but it must be realised that it was the job or profession of their choice. They were not forced into the coal mining industry, but the Bevin Boys were, as a form of compulsory National Service in lieu of service in the Armed Services.

Remember, there were only 48,000 Bevin Boys, compared to 720,000 miners.

Perhaps Mr Hughes would like to start a campaign of his own, but it must be realised that there are many other wartime groups serving in industries such as munitions, aircraft production, shipyards, railways, and so on – the list is endless. – Warwick Taylor MBE, Vice President and Chairman, The Bevin Boys Association, Dorchester.