Kings Langley Villager Article, August 2008
Calling all veterans…
During the past year Kings Langley has been commemorating the bravery of local man, Christopher Cox who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1917. It has led to links between the village and the village of Achiet-le-Grand near to where the action took place in France and it has also served to remind us of the risks taken on a daily basis by our servicemen and women currently in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Now it is the turn of all veterans to be recognised for their service. The Ministry of Defence is awarding all veterans of the armed forces and merchant navy with an official badge in recognition of their service.
This scheme is about paying respect to anyone who has served in the forces. I believe that everyone who has served their country should be recognised for having done so and should be able to wear something on a day-to-day basis. They don’t have to have been to war, just to have served.
I therefore urge all veterans in Dacorum to come forward and claim this badge.
Every day we read about our dedicated servicemen and women who are risking their lives for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am committed to raising the level of home support for our fighting forces. I know from experience, that when serving your country far from home, how uplifting it is to know that the people back home are thinking of you and supportive.
This is another way in which veterans can show their support – for each other and for serving military. In other countries there is a large support network for serving troops and I believe it is time to replicate some of that here.
If you are eligible please contact my office at 6th Floor, Hamilton House, 111 Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1BB or phone 01442 450444 for an application form. You can also email me at mike@mikepenning.com. If you are not sure if you are eligible call us anyway – we will be able to find out.
Bevin Boys and Women’s Land Army veterans badges
A Bevin Boys badge can be issued to men who were conscripted directly into the mines, known more generally as “ballottees”, those who opted for mine work in preference to joining the Armed Forces or those who were in the Armed Forces and volunteered to become miners during the period 1943-1948 under the scheme instituted by Ernest Bevin, Minister of Labour and National Service.
As of January this year, a badge is also being awarded in recognition of the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps who worked on the Home Front to provide food and timber for the nation during World War I and II.
If you are eligible and would like to apply, please contact me as above.
