Recognition for Bevin Boy Eric
Published Date:
08 May 2008
A former Bevin Boy who has finally achieved recognition from the Government for his contribution to the war effort was presented with his award.
Spalding man Eric Hockham was just 18 when he was whisked away from his family in Hastings, Sussex, to labour in the mines of the North East, filling the place of workers who had been conscripted.
Now, 64 years later, he has received a badge and document from Minister of State for Energy MP Malcolm Wicks after a celebration dinner in Stratford on Avon with the Bevin Boys' Association.
Eric said: "I think we are happy to have something tangible to say we are recognised.
"It is too little, rather too late, but I suppose honour has been satisfied."
However, he remembers being handed white feathers after being mistaken for a Conscientious Objector during the war years.
Eric said: "It makes you rather angry. We were conscripts the same as everybody else."
The full article contains 161 words and appears in Spalding Guardian newspaper.
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Last Updated:
07 May 2008 12:39 PM
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Source:
Spalding Guardian
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Location:
Spalding
