Matzos
27-06-06, 07:08
The Merchant Seafarers' bravery assisting the Armed Forces in military operations has now been formally commemorated with the launch of the new UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans' Badge.
http://www.militaryimages.net/imagehost/images/Matzos/20060626umerchantseafarersveteransbadge.jpg
UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans' Badge.
The launch begins a series of events designed to mark the contributions and achievements of veterans, including the first annual Veterans Day on 27 June and the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on Saturday 1 July
The UK Merchant Seafarers Veteran's Badge will be a specially-modified version of the H.M. Armed Forces Veteran's Badge, launched in May 2004, and formally commemorates the unique contribution made by merchant seafarers. The Ministry of Defence initiated its production after consultation with Merchant Seafarers revealed that many felt their historic contribution, particularly to World Wars One and Two, had not been visibly recognised.
Veterans Minister Tom Watson explained:
"It is hugely important that we raise the profile of our Veterans and promote the bond between them and their wider communities. This is the reason that the Veterans Badge was established in the first place. It has proved enormously popular with over 250,000 issued to date.
"The unveiling of today's specially modified design will allow those merchant seafarers and fishermen who feel they are the forgotten heroes of past conflicts to have their contributions more visibly recognised."
Currently any former member of the Armed Forces to have served their country at any time up to, and including, 31 December 1954 is eligible to apply for the H.M. Armed Forces Veterans Badge. From 27 June applications will be accepted from other H.M. Armed Forces veterans who have served at any time prior to 31 December 1959.
Applications for the new Merchant Seafarers Veterans' Badge will be welcomed from all Merchant Navy Seafarers and Fishermen who served in a vessel operated to facilitate military operations at any time prior to 31 December 1959. Eligibility, based on the same criteria, will be extended to later years in due course.
Source - MoD
http://www.militaryimages.net/imagehost/images/Matzos/20060626umerchantseafarersveteransbadge.jpg
UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans' Badge.
The launch begins a series of events designed to mark the contributions and achievements of veterans, including the first annual Veterans Day on 27 June and the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on Saturday 1 July
The UK Merchant Seafarers Veteran's Badge will be a specially-modified version of the H.M. Armed Forces Veteran's Badge, launched in May 2004, and formally commemorates the unique contribution made by merchant seafarers. The Ministry of Defence initiated its production after consultation with Merchant Seafarers revealed that many felt their historic contribution, particularly to World Wars One and Two, had not been visibly recognised.
Veterans Minister Tom Watson explained:
"It is hugely important that we raise the profile of our Veterans and promote the bond between them and their wider communities. This is the reason that the Veterans Badge was established in the first place. It has proved enormously popular with over 250,000 issued to date.
"The unveiling of today's specially modified design will allow those merchant seafarers and fishermen who feel they are the forgotten heroes of past conflicts to have their contributions more visibly recognised."
Currently any former member of the Armed Forces to have served their country at any time up to, and including, 31 December 1954 is eligible to apply for the H.M. Armed Forces Veterans Badge. From 27 June applications will be accepted from other H.M. Armed Forces veterans who have served at any time prior to 31 December 1959.
Applications for the new Merchant Seafarers Veterans' Badge will be welcomed from all Merchant Navy Seafarers and Fishermen who served in a vessel operated to facilitate military operations at any time prior to 31 December 1959. Eligibility, based on the same criteria, will be extended to later years in due course.
Source - MoD