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

<p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>We had to join, we had to join,</p><p>We had to join old Bevin’s army.</p><p>Three quid a week, and bugger all to eat,</p><p>Hobnail boots, and blisters on our feet.</p><p>We had to join, we had to join,</p><p>We had to join old Bevin’s army.</p><p>If it wasn’t for the war,</p><p>We’d be where we were before,</p><p>Bevin, you’re barmy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>We had to join, we had to join,</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>We had to join old Bevin’s army,</p><p>Our number's out the hat,</p><p>But we don't know where we're at,</p><p>We're going down the mine,</p><p>And we have to serve our time,</p><p>We had to join, we had to join,</p><p>We had to join old Bevin’s army</p><p>If it wasn't for the draw,</p><p>We'd be off to fight the war,</p><p>Bevin you're barmy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>We had to join, we had to join,</p><p>We had to join old Bevin’s army.</p><p>Three quid a we