The story of the Bevin Boys Three quid a week, and bugger all to eat | Education Video by World of Military

Between 1943 and 1948, 48,000 young men were conscripted for National Service Employment in British coal mines. Contrary to a common belief at the time, only 41 of them were conscientious objectors. Bevin Boys, therefore, came from all social classes and regions in Britain, not just the mining areas.

We had to join, we had to join,

We had to join old Bevin’s army.

Three quid a week, and bugger all to eat,

Hobnail boots, and blisters on our feet.

We had to join, we had to join,

We had to join old Bevin’s army.

If it wasn’t for the war,

We’d be where we were before,

Bevin, you’re barmy.

 

 

We had to join, we had to join,

 

We had to join old Bevin’s army,

Our number's out the hat,

But we don't know where we're at,

We're going down the mine,

And we have to serve our time,

We had to join, we had to join,

We had to join old Bevin’s army

If it wasn't for the draw,

We'd be off to fight the war,

Bevin you're barmy.

 

We had to join, we had to join,

We had to join old Bevin’s army.

Three quid a we