FOREIGN SECRETARY ANNOUNCES COMMEMORATIVE BADGE FOR BLETCHLEY PARK VETERANS

David Miliband told Parliament today that the Government has decided to recognise the vital contribution made by members of the Government Code and Cypher School during the Second World War.

Surviving military and civilian veterans who served at Bletchley Park and its outstations during the Second World War are eligible for a commemorative badge.  The award of the commemorative badge is a fitting recognition of the vital role played by the Government Code and Cypher School during the war.

The Foreign Secretary said:

“I am delighted that the vital and secret work of Bletchley Park in the Second World War is being recognised.”

“We owe a debt of gratitude to all who served at Bletchley Park and its outstations: I am proud to acknowledge their ingenuity, skill and determination which helped our country in its time of greatest need.”

Bletchley Park Commemorative Badge

The following information has been extract from the GCHQ website:

On behalf of Her Majesty's Government, GCHQ is delighted to recognise the vital service of those who worked at Bletchley Park and its outstations during World War II, by presenting surviving veterans with a commemorative badge.

Those who served at Bletchley and are sadly no longer alive are currently listed in a register held and maintained by the Bletchley Park Trust. Although we cannot issue commemorative badges in respect of those who have died, GCHQ will support the Trust by preparing a properly bound copy of this register to be held at Bletchley Park, and by maintaining an on-line copy of it.

Who is eligible?
Surviving veterans on 1 July 2009 who were employed by the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) at Bletchley Park or its outstations during WWII; who served in the Armed Forces at Bletchley Park or its outstations during WWII; who served in the "Y" Services of the Armed Forces collecting material which was sent to Bletchley Park during WWII; who served in SLUs or SCUs; who served in the RSS; or who worked for the GPO in the COLOSSUS team at Dollis Hill.

How do I apply?
Download a copy of the Bletchley Park Commemorative Badge form from their website (   ) and post it to:
Bletchley Park Commemoration
Room B2g
GCHQ
Hubble Road
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL51 OEX
or…….

Download a copy of the Bletchley Park Commemorative Badge form (link
provided) and email it to commemoration@gchq.gsi.gov.uk
or…..

You can also obtain an application form by writing to the above address.

Please use only these addresses for any queries regarding this award.


When will the badge be available?
You will not receive acknowledgement of your application before it has been processed.

Badges will be despatched through the post. This process has begun but given the sheer numbers involved, may take a while to be completed.


Will the Bletchley Park commemorative badge be awarded posthumously?

In line with other Government Veterans' badge schemes, the Bletchley Park badge will not be awarded posthumously, unless death occurred after 1 July 2009, in which case it will be awarded to the deceased veteran's next of kin.  However, names of veterans no longer living will be entered on a properly bound Roll of Honour, which will also be maintained on line.

Will there be any cost for the Bletchley Park commemorative badge?

No, there will not be any cost for the Bletchley Park commemorative badge.

Can I apply for the Bletchley Park commemorative badge on behalf of
someone else?

Yes, we realise that some veterans may be unable to submit applications on their own behalf.  For this reason we will be pleased to process applications from friends and relatives. 

How will the nomination process work?

Application forms will be reviewed to ensure that applicants fulfil one
of the following eligibility criteria:

1.         Employed by the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) at Bletchley Park or its outstations during World War Two.

2.                  Served in the Armed Forces at Bletchley Park or its outstations.

3.                  Served in the 'Y' Services of the Armed Forces collecting material which
was sent to Bletchley Park

4.                  Served in Special Liaison Units (SLUs) or Special Communications Units
(SCUs). Note: SLUs and SCUs were responsible for the dissemination of ULTRA intelligence material to deployed British and Allied Headquarters.

5.                  Served in the Radio Security Service (RSS). Note: the RSS comprised both GPO operators and radio amateurs who intercepted the communications of enemy intelligence services.

6.                  Worked for the GPO in the COLOSSUS team at Dollis Hill. Note: A special team in the GPO research establishment at Dollis Hill was responsible for the development of specialist equipment to support the work of GC&CS, including the development of COLOSSUS, the world's first computer.