Jo makes Veterans Day call for unclaimed badges

5.13.19pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Jun 2007

Over 7,000 veterans badges could be waiting to be claimed by veterans in East Dunbartonshire

Jo Swinson is reminding Armed Forces veterans in East Dunbartonshire to mark the upcoming National Veterans Day by claiming their Veterans Badge.

National Veterans Day, on Wednesday 27th June, is being held to commemorate and honour former servicemen and women. According to figures received by Jo, over 7,000 veterans in East Dunbartonshire could still be eligible to claim their Veterans Badge.

Jo said:

"It is entirely appropriate that we hold a National Veterans Day to express our gratitude to our ex-servicemen and women for their service to our country.

"The day is also a good reminder to all those who have not yet claimed their Veterans Badge to do so. According to the Ministry of Defence, there may be over 7,000 people in East Dunbartonshire who are eligible for badges but have not yet received them.

"I have already helped several Armed Forces veterans to apply for their Veterans Badges, and will be delighted to help others who have not yet applied. Anyone with enquiries about the unclaimed badges should contact my office in writing or by phone on 0141 762 2209."

Enquiries in writing to Jo Swinson's office should be made to: 4 Springfield House, Emerson Road, Bishopbriggs, G64 1QE.

Figures produced by the Ministry of Defence reveal that on average across the UK, 7,200 Veterans Badges per constituency have not yet been claimed.

Men and women who served in HM Armed Forces before and/or during World War II are entitled to a Veterans Badge. In addition, other groups including the Cyprus Regiment, Home Guard and Polish Forces under UK Command are eligible. Men and Women who enlisted in HM Armed Forces between 3 September 1945 and 31 December 1984 are entitled to a Veterans Badge. There is no qualifying length of Service.

Veterans who served in the Armed Forces of other Countries, such as the Canadian Navy or Royal Australian Air Force, are not eligible for badges.

The Veterans Agency aims eventually to extend eligibility all those who served in HM Armed Forces, but requests for badges cannot currently be made from people whose Service began after 31 December 1984.

Related Link:

Veterans Agency - HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge