In 1943, during World War 2, Britain faced a dire shortage of coal. It was proposed by Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour and National Service, to direct 50,000 men compulsorily into the coalmines during the course of 1944. These conscripts became known as the Bevin Boys.

Jacqueline Swift will tell us why these young men had to be conscripted, with no choice in the matter. What they did during their service in the coal mines, and once war was over, how they fought for recognition.