THE owner of Southend's oldest family restaurant has been honoured for his wartime service as a Bevin Boy.
Antony Tomassi, 82, of Tomassi's restaurant in Southend High Street received a Bevin Boy's badge for his service in the coal mining industry at the end of the Second World War.
This is the first time Bevin Boys have been formally recognised for the sacrifices made in the coalfields during and immediately after the war.
Wartime Minister for Labour and National Service Ernest Bevin's scheme saw 48,000 men aged 18 to 25 recruited for the mines between 1943 and 1948. They helped ease the UK's shortage of labour to meet the high demand for coal.
Mr Tomassi said; "It's nice to receive the medal, but I'm a bit embarrassed about it. I worked on the tramways above ground."
Posted by: Grillo The Clown, Somewhere Else on 8:56pm Sun 30 Mar 08
Well done that man!
The fact is you SERVED your country in it's hour of need!
The Bevin boys did a difficult job and a dangerous one, freeing up miners for front line duty, or at least preventing the need for what were now experienced soldiers (e-miners) being recalled to the pits
Well done that man!
The fact is you SERVED your country in it's hour of need!
The Bevin boys did a difficult job and a dangerous one, freeing up miners for front line duty, or at least preventing the need for what were now experienced soldiers (e-miners) being recalled to the pits
I never thought I'd say this, but I agree with Grillo.
Many thanks to Mr Tomassi and all the other men and women who worked for victory. Not all the heroes were on the front line.
Glad they have now been recognised for their contribution. Many people called them cowards for not fighting, but they had no choice. We salute them all.
I never thought I'd say this, but I agree with Grillo.
Many thanks to Mr Tomassi and all the other men and women who worked for victory. Not all the heroes were on the front line.
Glad they have now been recognised for their contribution. Many people called them cowards for not fighting, but they had no choice. We salute them all.
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