The Forgotten Conscript: A History of the Bevin Boy

Sixty years ago, the arrival of the buff envelope explaining that their 'number had come up' changed the expectation and lives of many young men preparing to join the Services. The call applied to an entire cross-section of society. They were not allowed to say 'no'. This book tells the tales about a largely unknown and almost forgotten army which played a key role in winning the Second World War - from far below the surface of the earth and in daily danger. The Bevin Boys lived on site - mainly in hostels - worked underground and had difficulty in being released back into civilian life at the end of the war. They are still awaiting recognition, including having the Defence medal awarded - but live in hope. No inscriptions Copyright © Babash.