Frank Robinson was called-up in 1943 and was devastated to find that he was one of the 48,000 men that had to serve in the coal mines. If he refused, he would face prosecution.
Frank trained at Woodhouse Colliery in Sheffield and served as a hurrier in Birkenshaw Colliery near Bradford, Yorkshire, until demobbed in 1948. He recalls the cage, using picks and shovels, pushing tubs up inclines with his head, wearing a collar from which he hung his lamp, roof falls, and no pit baths. The only recompense for this compulsory service was getting free coal for home. No medals were issued, and Bevin Boys had no rights to return to their pre-war jobs, unlike Forces personnel.
Talking about job interviews after the war, Frank says that a significant question was ‘What did you do in the war?' and he felt that if he could have replied that he had served in the Armed Forces or had some illustrious career in the Army, it would have made all the difference. He says (with humour) that if he could have kept a straight face, he would have said his wartime service was ‘underground’ and ‘in the dark’.
Frank strived to get recognition for the service of the Bevin Boys and the issue of a veteran’s badge which was eventually awarded in 2008. He was an active member of the Bevin Boys Association and in 2005 was elected Lord Mayor of Leeds.
