The Veterans Badge
The Veterans Badge
UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans' Badge
The
Merchant Seafarers’ bravery and sacrifice in assisting HM Armed Forces in
military operations has been formally commemorated with the launch of the
new
The badge is available to all Merchant Navy seafarers and fishermen who served in a vessel at a time when it was operated to facilitate military operations by UK Armed Forces at any time.
The badge cannot be issued posthumously as it is a survivors’ badge, which is to be worn on civilian clothing. The only exception to this is for Widow(er)s in receipt of a War Widow(er)’s Pension paid by Veterans’ Agency. The deceased must have served prior to and including 31 December 1984 (National Insurance Number must now be provided).
The introduction of this dedicated badge for Merchant Navy seafarers and fishermen means that applications by these individuals for the HM Armed Forces Veterans' Badge will no longer be accepted with effect from 27 June 2006. If an iindividual already holds an HM Armed Forces Veteran's Badge they may still apply for the UK Merchant Seafarers Vetera’'s Badge.
Members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary who served prior to 31 December 1984 should continue to apply for the HM Armed Forces Veterans' Badge.