Jo boosts Veterans Badge claims at Milngavie Legion

5.30.33pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 13th Sep 2007

Jo was able to help ex-servicemen and women at the British Legion make applications for Veterans Badges

Jo Swinson helped six armed forces veterans claim their Veterans Badges when she visited Milngavie British Legion last night.

During the visit, Jo attended a presentation on the delivery of medical supplies to British troops in Afghanistan, before meeting some of the Legion's regular members.

Jo said:

"I was delighted to be able to use the visit to Milngavie British Legion to help ex-servicemen and women from Milngavie and Bearsden claim their Veterans Badges.

"A large number of armed forces veterans have now received assistance to claim their Veterans Badges, but there are still a great many unclaimed badges due to go to ex-armed forces personnel in East Dunbartonshire. Anyone with enquiries about their eligibility for a Veterans Badge should contact my office in writing by phone on 0141 762 2209 or by email to jo@joswinson.org.uk.

"During the visit I was lucky enough to see a fascinating presentation on the delivery of medical supplies to our troops in Afghanistan. This served as a reminder of the debt we owe to our armed forces currently serving overseas, as well as those who have served in the past."

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.

Eligibility: 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