Ex-service can apply for badge

All retired armed forces personnel are entitled to wear an armed forces veterans lapel badge. These badges are issued by the Ministry of Defence Medal Office and are designed to identify those individuals who have served in the armed forces. Badges are also available for members of the Merchant Navy who were involved on active service and members of the Women’s Land Army and Timber Corps. Applications can also be made for Bevin Boy badges for those conscripted into the mining industry during World War Two.

Any ex-serviceman or servicewoman who has not yet applied for their badge can do so using any of the following methods:

a) By completing the application form on the medal office website www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veteransuk.

b) By contacting John Anderson BEM, Branch President, Royal British Legion, 33–37 Bar Street, Scarborough YO11 2HT or telephone (01723) 351957.

Information required is National Insurance number, full name and postal address, telephone number, date of birth, service number, service (RN/ Army/RAF), unit/regiment/ corps or squadron, dates of service, type of service (regular/TA).

Badges can either be issued direct to an individual or can be made at a local presentation ceremony. It would be useful if a preference could be stated at the time of application.

John Anderson, branch president, Royal British Legion Bar Street, Scarborough