Well done to Warwick Taylor for the success of his efforts to win recognition for the Bevin Boys for their efforts during the Second World War.

I hope this will lead to similar recognition for non-conscripts. My father started work in the pits at the age of 14 in 1934 and continued until 1962 when our local pit closed - 28 years in the horrific conditions' properly mentioned in your story.

He too never had the option to serve his country in any other way - although he did have some funny stories about life in the Home Guard which, in common with most career miners, he was involved in when the three-shift system allowed.

Perhaps there should be another badge for those in all reserved occupations at the outbreak of the War who similarly had no choice over how they served our country.

Dennis Holmes, Lorne Road, Dorchester.