213478 William Kenneth Smith Bevin Boy from:Blackpool I was conscripted to the mines, when I wanted to go in the services. First I did my training at Oakdale, South Wales then I was sent to Britannia Colliery, South Wales. First day on the coal face I was assistant to a miner. I also had to join a union and buy my own shovel and steel cap boots, which was stopped from my wages. Four of us were billeted in Bargoed, I had to share a bed, except when he was on nights, I had the bed and when I was on nights he had the bed. Unfortunately for me he died of T.B. Which a few months later I contracted. Not realising at the time what was wrong with me, I was threatened with prosecution and jail if I had any more odd days off. I hated Bevin and still do. I have been ashamed when people asked me which service I was in, as my Dad was a Sargent in WW1, whom I was very proud of.
|