British Nuclear Test Veterans Association
All we seek is justice
Newsletter Autumn 2002
Fifty years since Great Britain’s first atomic test 3rd October 1952
British Nuclear Test Veterans Association
Fiftieth Anniversary of The Detonation of Britain’s First Atomie Bomb October 3rd
Support National Nuclear Veterans Day
In this issue Presidents Letter Secretary’s Report Christmas Island Lament BNTVA Web site HMS Plym 1952 Pension For Sale!
Chairman’s Report Obituary Dr Alice Stewart Branch Organisation News Christmas Island Reflections Branch News Help Please Nuclear Veterans Day 3rd October 2002
Useful Telephone Numbers Sheila Gray 01642 559903 Peter Fletcher 01744 630612 John Lowe
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01619412164
Ken Roberts 01429 273392
Special Discount of 10% Off Funeral Directors Fees for Members of the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association.
Ian Greenhalgh 01942 820202 War Pensions Norcross 01253 858858
For Further Information Please Telephone:
0161-881 2212 \\Jii7i you need us. crV/ be there ,
Disabled benefits Unit National Help Line 0845 7123456
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Veterans Advice Unit MOD 0845 6020302
This is your Newsletter Many thanks to all of you who have sent in contributions for this Newsletter. We are sorry if your item does not appear in the issue you were expecting. You will see from the news item that we have our own web site www.bntva.com. In the site you will find a place to leave messages etc. Please make use of this very generous gift to our association by Colin Jenner in memory of his lather. Do you have a story to tell or something you think other members will be interested in please send your contributions to our newsletter editor Jeff Liddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA
PRESIDENTS LETTER *
Greetings to one and all. As you will see from the contents of your Newsletter package, we have had some changes. Our Chaplain, Canon Nicholas Frayling, has been elevated to Dean of Chichester and he is to be installed in that position on 28 September 2002. Our loss of Nicholas, here in the North-West, is Chichester’s gain in the South. However, I am very pleased to say that wherever he is, Nicholas remains our Chaplain. “Nicholas, we congratulate you, wish you well and pray God will continue to guard and guide you”. Due to ill health (I now have to receive 24 hour oxygen, care and attention) I felt the time had come for me to stand down from being your Chairman and this I did at our last AGM in April of this year. It was a sad day for me but knew I had reached the stage where it was truly impossible to carry out the duties that were required of me. My successor, John Lowe, I am confident, will work just as hard, supported by our Executive Committee and ‘The Aorta” of the Association, our Secretary, Sheila Gray. October 3rd 2002 marks the 50th Anniversary of Great Britain becoming a nuclear power, alongside the USA and the then USSR This was the day - 3 October 1952 when the successful detonation of Britain’s first atom bomb (and the dirtiest) took place at the Monte Bello Island off the N W Coast of Australia. Let it be known We, the Nuclear Test Veterans (1952 -1958), played a major role in winning the Cold War. Why the Government still refuses to have a medal struck to commemorate this happening, remains a mystery.
not individuals. Sadly, the only one paraded at our AGM last April, was the one I sent through from the North-West Standard Bearers - if you cannot attend with our Standards, please pass it to someone who can or notify us that you are unable to attend. Please do your best for 3 October — “NUCLEAR VETERANS DAY” Finally, I would like to say a sincere thank you to all who sent me cards, letters and telephone calls, all wishing me well during my periods in hospital. They came from all over the UK, France, Canada, USA, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and Poland. Also thank you to friends who made the journey to visit me and who traveled from Scotland, London, Billingham, Blackpool, Chichester, Liverpool. Manchester and of course, locally. These letters cards and visits have helped to keep me going. God Bless you all. REMEMBERANCE DAY - 10 NOVEMBER 2002 I have ordered 100 tickets for us to participate in the Parade at the Cenotaph in London on that day. Anyone wishing to attend please apply to Ken Taylor of the Exec Cmte. for a ticket and please - SEND A S.A.E! Due to my illness, I am temporarily residing with my daughter Pauline and her husband John Smith, at 11 Lord Street, St Helens, Lancs WA10 2SJ. - Tel: 01744 630612 Peter G Fletcher MBE President
A number of events are taking place to mark the 3rd October - PLEASE SUPPORT THEM.
FINALLY ITS GOODBYE TO A MEMORABLE OLD GIRL.
If you cannot attend, due to there not being one in your area, then approach your local Radio Stations, local Newspapers and ask them to mention this historic occasion. Ask your local clergy to say prayers on the day or at their Sunday Service.
HMS PLYM was laid down on August lgt 1942 by Smiths Dock Company on the River Tees at Middlesborough and then launched on the following February. She was commissioned on May 3rd 1943.
Memorial Stones - Plaques* These are situated in: - Billingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Paisley, Portsmouth and Risca. Visit them, say your own prayer and lay flowers. Standards The National Standard - North-West - Wales - Scotland - Portsmouth - Humberside - they all exist so please ensure they are displayed - parade them. Alas we have a mystery of our own — it would seem that nobody knows the whereabouts of our Nation Standard. If you have any information, as to where it is, then please let me know. Remember, these precious Standards belong to the Association and therefore every member -
She was one of the large Wartime River class frigates with a standard displacement of 1370 tons, an overall length of 301 and a half feet and a beam of thirty-six and half feet She had twin screws working off reciprocating engines; with two oil fired three drum boilers and was designed for a speed of 20 knots. This is a thumbnail sketch of the ship, which was designated as the Target Vessel’ for Operation Hurricane, Britain’s first atomic test held at the Monte Bello Islands off the Australian coast. I had the dubious privilege of spending the last night’s on board her before she was vapourised on October 3rd 1952
We were sent as Narvik’s duty boats crew, to Plym to spend the night and ready to evacuate some of the last remaining personnel, naval and scientific, at 06.30, and transfer them to HMS Narvik. The last three scientists were the arming party and were evacuated by Plym’s own motor boat. I had assured myself of a good nights sleep by taking my hammock over with me. But I probably slept with my fingers crossed. It was very strange to wander around that ship knowing that everything I saw and touched was going to disappear in a blinding flash in a few hours time. It didn’t seem right somehow. At 06.00 on D-Day when I stepped out on the upper deck of the Plym, I sensed that something wasn’t quite right, but couldn’t put my finger on it Suddenly it dawned on me —the Birds. Normally there were numerous birds, but they were missing. Every single one had disappeared warned no doubt by instinct and a sense of survival. It certainly gave a new meaning to the expression ‘Bird Brained’. When we pulled away from Plym at 06.30,1 remember looking back and thinking how lonely and forlorn she looked. It was almost like the feeling you get when you take a dog to the vet to have it put down — then walk away yourself. The ship’s company still enjoy well attended reunions which proves the affection in which this ship is still held. And I must confess that I still have a soft spot for a memorable lady I spent the night with. Sid Hardwick Ex HMS Narvik Monte Bello 1952 This article has been reprinted from our Newsletter Easter 1992 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT It is a scant four months since our AGM, however, judging by your comments, we have the Association’s activities progressing on the right course. Financially we are in a strong position, and with the possibility of any forthcoming legal action, the media are again taking an interest in our cause. By now you will all be aware that tliis year is the 50th Anniversaiy of Britain’s first Atomic bomb test. When HMS Plym was vaporized. This is probably the best opportunity that we shall have to gain media coverage in our quest for justice. We are to stage a dignified protest, (best bib and tucker please) on 3rd October, against the MOD’S reluctance to admit their responsibilities and grant pensions to Veterans
or their widows. It is essential that we have a good turn out on the day. (for details see Nuclear Veterans Day) If you are unable to travel to London, you can still participate. —Please • I would ask you all, Please—Write to your M.P. or attend one of their surgeries, and ask them to offer their support on 3rd October, by joining our protest in Richmond Terrace. •
Contact your local paper. See if they will run an article on our campaign.
•
Contact your local radio station. Perhaps they will conduct an interview with you
DON’T LET THE NATION FORGET THE DEBT, WHICH THEY OWE TO THEIR NUCLEAR VETERANS. Your Chairman. John Lowe. SECRETARY’S REPORT Instead of a ’normal’ report, I am giving you word for word, Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s, to the House of Commons in respect of the Atom Bomb Test at Monte Bello on 3rd October 1952. He made this announcement on 23rd October 1952. “With your permission, Sir, I shall now make a statement in answer to Question 45, asked by my Hon Friend the Member for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Sir I Fraser). The object of the test was to investigate the effects of an atomic explosion in a Harbour. The weapon was accordingly placed in HMS Plym a frigate of 1,450 tons, which was anchored in the Monte Bello Islands. Conditions were favourable and care was taken to wait for southerly winds so as to avoid tire possibility of any significant concentration of radioactive particles spreading over the Australian mainland. Specimen structures of importance to Civil Defence and to the Armed Services were erected at various distances. Instruments were set up to record the effect of contamination, blast, heat flash, gamma ray flash and other factors of interest The weapon was exploded in the morning of 3rd October. Thousands of tons of water and of mud and rock from the sea bottom were thrown many thousands of feet into the air and high tidal wave was caused. The effect of blast and radioactive contamination extended over a wide area and HMS Plym was vaporised. Some red-hot fragments were scattered over one of the Islands and started fires in the diy vegetation. Very soon after the explosion two naval officers undertook the dangerous task of flying helicopters over the heavily contaminated lagoon where “Plym” had lain. This was in order to take samples of the water so that its radioactivity could be measured. After a longer interval, scientists and Service personnel in protective clothing entered the
contaminated area to examine the effects and to recover records. Technical descriptions of the performance of the Bomb cannot, of course, be given. It may, however, be said that the weapon behaved exactly as expected and forecast in many precise details by Dr W G Penney, whose services were of the highest order. Scientific observations and measurements show that the weapon does not contradict the natural expectation that progress in this sphere be continual. To give some idea of the character of the explosion perhaps I might say this: normal blood temperature is 98.4 degrees. Many of us go over 100 degrees. When the flash first burst through the hull of the ’Plym’ the temperature was nearly 1 million degrees. It was, of course, far higher at the point of explosion. The explosion caused no casualties to the personnel of the expedition. No animals were used in the test. Apart from some local rats, which were killed, no mammals were seen in the affected area and such birds as there were had mostly been frightened away by the earlier preparations. Her Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom wish to express their indebtedness for all the help received from Australia. Not only did the Australian Commonwealth allow us to use their territory for the test, but all branches of their Government, and particularly the Navy, Army and Air force, gave us most valuable collaboration in the preparation and execution of this important experiment All those concerned in the production of this First British atomic bomb are to be warmly congratulated on the successful outcome of an historic episode and I should no doubt pay my compliments to the Leader of the Opposition and the party opposite for initiating it.” I wonder what Sir Winston would say today, in light of the evidence, which is now in our possession. Men, both civilian and servicemen were harmed! Not all were given ’protective clothing’. Only key personnel - whoever they were! The birds which had “flown away”-they hadn’t, they were dead and had to be collected off the beaches, likewise the dead fish out of the sea! It was not a ‘success’, the wind blew the wrong way and the Australian Government sent frantic telegrams asking what was happening as the cloud was blowing towards their mainland! Some of you reading this were there - you know what happened! All I shall say to end this is -ask my husband, he was there. Whoops, sorry he died ten years ago- he did not have protective clothing, he helped pick up the dead birds and dead fish out of the sea. Perhaps if he had been one of the servicemen given ’protective clothing’ and had not been ordered to pick up the ‘Birds who had flown away’, he would be with me now! Sheila Gray - Secretary.
OBITUARY -Dr Alice Stewart Dr Alice, as we affectionately knew her, has sadly died at the wonderful age of 95. She was classed as one of the major scientists and her research into the dangers of x-rays and nuclear radiation “shook the establishment”. She was the person who labeled the Monte Bello 1952 bomb as “The Dirty Bomb”. Throughout our Association’s existence she has been a great source of information and wisdom to us and she will be sorely missed. Her daughter, kindly answered our letter of condolences to her family, and I shall quote some of the content, “She would have been very pleased by it (our letter) as she had a great respect for your organisation and often talked about it”.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND LAMENT Far off the coast of anywhere Christmas Island is the spot Here we're doomed to spend our time In the land that God Forgot Here we sweat toil and curse It's almost too much to bear. They have the nerve to call us “Defenders of the Air” For we are the men of the Airforce But here we never fly Unless they let a bomb offAnd then we fly sky-high. Radiation is our hazard, Another, the gamma ray, But we are not to worryBecause of them we draw our pay. So when our time is over, And work we have done well, We are sure to go to heaven For weTl have spent our time in “HELL” Found in the Diary of Peter Dawkins, Christmas Island 1958 A MEMORIAL ARBORETUM Because of a suggestion, made by one our widows, Joyce Northey, we have been making enquiries , into participating in a Memorial Garden in Alrewas, Staffordshire. However, the cost could be rather expensive so we are leaving the decision up to you all. Prices range from £175 for a plaque and one tree- a bench; tree and flagpole would be about £800- up to £3000 for a plot. All of these prices would have to have VAT added to them. Our funds are needed for our fight for justice so we cannot lightly use them for other things, as much as we would wish to. We have discussed this proposal and feel a plaque and one tree is not enough to be a fitting tribute to our men but to spend more would have to be considered very carefully. It would be helpful to have all your thoughts on this. Write and tell us what you think.
Send your letters to our Secretary Sheila Gray. reporting information It is most important that deaths are reported as soon as possible to our Secretary, Sheila Gray and to send her a copy of the death certificate for our records. Again, we ask you to let us know any change in your address/telephone number, this too to be sent to the Secretaiy, who will then pass it on to the Treasurer. Any changes at all in your circumstances We need to know-Thanks. BRANCH ORGANISATION Have you any spare time? Would you like to have more involvement in the Association, and the opportunity to have more contact with your fellow members? Then why not volunteer your services as a branch Representative. The Association requires representatives for the following areas: SCOTLAND Covering the whole of the country NORTHERN ENGLAND Northumberland, Durham, Cleveland, Cumberland, Tyne & Wear. NORTHWEST ENGLAND Lancashire, Merseyside, GREATER MANCHESTER & CHESHIRE WEST OF ENGLAND Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, Bristol, North & North East Somerset, Somerset & Dorset EAST ANGLIA Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire. Interested! Then why not contact John Lowe or Sheila Gray and have a chat about it STAR AWARE OF VETERANS’ FIGHT Wally Holdsworth, Branch Rep. West Yorks. Wrote to Tommy Steele O.B.E. enclosing a photo of H.M.S. Scythia and received the following reply. Dear Wally. Thanks for the letter. The picture of the old SCYTHIA brought back great memories. (I was shipwrecked on her during Ice routine in the Atlantic in “52”). Anyway, That's a lesser story than yours is. All the best. Tommy P.S. I’ve sent a donation to a worthy fight I hope it's well won.
NUCLEAR VETERANS PAY 3rd OCTOBER 2002 The association will stage a demonstration, on this day, in protest against prevarication of the Ministry of Defence in the granting pensions to Nuclear Veterans. We will assemble between 11.00 and 11.30 Hrs in RICHMOND TERRACE LONDON. (Opposite The Cenotaph & Downing Street). Fall at 11.45 Hrs The parade will assemble at 12 Noon Dress of the Day. Blazer & Grey flannels, Medals may be worn. We would like a smart turn out for Parade. If the weather is inclement, it will have to be raincoats & umbrellas We intend to parade our new National Standard, together with a banner “All we seek is Justice” As well as hand out leaflets. Wives, Widows, Family, Friends, are welcome to join us. The larger the parade, the more notice will be taken of us. We have arranged for half a dozen wheelchairs to be available. It is understood that there are the usual food places nearby, if required. Or of course you may bring your own. Regretfully, the logistics of organising some form of group transport to London on 3rd October, on a national basis have proved insurmountable. At the AGM the idea of group transport appeared to be a good idea at the time, unfortunately it did not work. I ask you all to make your own way to London. By far the majority of members will be going under their own steam. If you are going by car, can you offer a lift to somebody who lives in your area? If so, please phone or fax me on 0161 9412164 (preferably before noon) so I can put you in touch. The nearest long-term car park to the MOD is opposite the Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament in Great College Street. It is an underground car park with restricted headroom. (We cannot park on Horse Guards). To make life easier it’s recommended, that anyone going by car should park on the outskirts of London, and complete their journey by tube. Westminster or Charing Cross being the nearest stations. If anyone cannot make it, we will quite understand. At least they will be with us in spirit Perhaps you would like to attend one of the memorial services, which are to be held in various parts of the country. Chairman. John Lowe.
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LEEDS Thursday 3rd October 2002. A short service of remembrance will be held at Leeds Parish Church, commencing at 11 00 am. Afterwards a jazz band and singer will entertain the congregation. Then off to a civic reception at the Armouries, hosted by the Lord Mayor &Lady Mayoress of Leeds. Guests will include the Lord Mayor & Lady Mayoress of Preston, and numerous VIP's & celebrities. If you can not make London, why not offer your support here. It could be quite a day to remember. Contact Wally Holdsworth, PORTSMOUTH A memorial service of Remembrance will be held at 11 30am on Thursday 3rd October 2002 in Portsmouth Cathedral Memorial Gardens. Contact, Les Gosling, RISCA Saturday 5th October 2002 50th Anniversary celebration Band & Choir Concert at the Moriah Church Risca, featuring the Risca Salvation Army Band and the Gwent Police Choir to start at 7.30pm Tickets £3 00. Sunday 6th October 2002 Church service in St Mary’s Church Risca 10am till 11 am, assemble outside church for march to the cenotaph for the laying of the wreaths followed by the return inarch back to the Top Club for refreshments. Parade to be led by The Newport Baden-Powell Band. More information from Cllr Stan Jenkins, HOLIDAY OF A LIETIME Having read David Halliday’s experiences. I felt it might be worthwhile to document my journey to Christmas Island in 1958. I was in 61 Fd Sqn, 38 Corps Engr Regt I was attending a further trade training course at Chatham when my unit received their marching orders for Christmas Island. “Sheer delighf’ would explain my feelings, when I realised that I would not be forced to spend six weeks sailing on the “Flat Bottomed Tub” Dunera, instead, I would have the luxury of flying by “Comet” the world’s first jet passenger airliner. On finishing my course I arrived at RAF Lyneham and boarded the Comet. Once airborne, imaginations ran riot at the prospect of leaving the miserable wet weather in Britain for some glorious sunshine. After 10 minutes into the flight it was announced that the undercarriage would not go up and we would have to jettison the fuel and return to RAF Lyneham. This took a couple of hours and after landing we were informed that there would be a delay of 24 hours before take off. Next day, as promised, we took off and kept our fingers crossed that the undercarriage would work. As luck had it, we winged our way to Reykjavik for a re-fuelling stop then continued to Goose Bay in Canada for an overnight stop.
The next morning we flew to Offiitt in Central America for a re-fuelling stop of one and a half-hours, then headed on to San-Francisco for another overnight stay. When we arrived at San-Francisco airport in the morning to catch our aircraft for the onward journey to Honolulu we were told that the “Headwinds” were too high and we could not make the journey. We were stranded in San Francisco for the next two days. The authorities decided that the Comet was not going to be able to make the long journey in the near future so we boarded a scheduled American DC 6B for Honolulu. When we landed at Honolulu we were given accommodation at Hickham Field US Air Force Base. In the morning we reported to a movements Officer who explained that there were no aircraft available to take us to Christmas Island so he gave us US$3 dollars each and told us to report the next morning. This routine went on for 7 Days. One can imagine how upset we were when they finally managed to find room on a Hastings for the final leg of our journey. Every time I see the film Pearl Harbour it brings back happy memories of being stranded at Hickham Air Force Base. On one occasion a group of us were sitting in the PX (American NAAFI) having a drink when their Orderly Sergeant came marching up to us and said “Is that Fatigue Dress you’re wearing?” We were very polite, and answered “No Sergeant, this is our best uniform!” (We were wearing our Olive Greens). He looked absolutely horrified and muttered “Jesus Christ!” and stormed off. I think it was the same Sergeant we later met on leaving the PX, we were crossing the road in order to get to our billets and he accused us of “Jay Walking”. He soon realised we didn’t have a clue what he was talking about. I have no doubt he was delighted at our departure. On arrival in Christmas Island we were shown the tents that were to be our home for the next 9 months. When we enquired about wardrobes to put our clothing into we were shown a large pile of old packing cases and instructed that we had to make our own. Fortunately it was my B1 Carpenter and joiner trade test that I had taken at Chatham so I had some idea what end of the hammer to use. I wonder where the rest of my travelling companions are? Dave (Chalky) Whyte (see photo page) NEWS The association has it’s own WEB SITE. www.bntva.com Its up and running by Line Type Design (Colin Jenner) whose Father was a veteran at Christmas Island in 1958. He was in the RAF servicing the planes we had on the Island. He has now passed away and this is in his memory Mr. J. C. (Ian) Jenner. Thank you Colin from the Committee. A DAY TO REMEMBER.
It’s here at last! Oh God let everything go off all right The fool who started the rumour ought to be shot These were the thoughts of Leading Seaman Peter C. H. Evans on the morning of Thursday 13 th November 1957. For the past two months he had been part of a huge team preparing to drop an H-bomb over Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean. L/S Evans wasn’t very happy. This was one draft he hadn’t wanted, especially as his wife was expecting their first baby in a few days time. To make things worse he had heard the rumour in the NAAFI. It was spreading like wildfire and becoming more exaggerated every time it was told. A genuine H G Wells prediction that on an Island in the Pacific there would be a terrific explosion and out of 5000 souls only 100 would survive. Funny that there should be 5000 people on Christmas Island and those approximately 100 Gilbertese natives would be moved off before the explosion!
“Valiant between Bravo and Charlie on a navigational run”. Time seemed to drag for Evans now, he was trying to think what his wife would be doing back home in Wales— she may even be having the baby! “Valiant between Charlie and dropping point Type of run unknown. Type of run unknown”. This is it, thought Evans, this is it Orders were given for everyone to turn away from the dropping area and to cover their eyes with their hands. “ The Valiant on initial live run. The Valiant on initial live run”. “Please God let everything be all right”. Evans seemed to think that he was the only one praying but he wasn’t “Valiant approaching dropping point. Valiant approaching dropping point”. Now the countdown before the release10, 9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, -Weapon away! Now the countdown before the explosion.
Evans had thought about these things all night, arguing with himself that they would never explode a Bomb unless they knew that everything would be safe, never the less H G Wells had predicted quite a few things and they had come true. Evans had even thought of writing a letter to his wife and leaving it on his locker top, that some one would be sure to visit the Island afterwards if anything did go wrong. He dismissed the letter idea as being too dramatic but said quite a few prayers. At 6am Evans started preparing for the day ahead. Tents had to be left wide open otherwise the shock wave would flatten them. Pets had to be collected and put into sealed boxes to prevent them being blinded by the flash. So many things to do but not enough to keep Evan’s mind off H G Wells. By 7am everything in the Port Camp was ready and everyone moved down to the port area and took up their position on the beach. Music was being played over the tannoy system, which would soon be telling us when the Bomb was being dropped. Some Disc Jockey in Honolulu was playing “Short Shorts”! For the first time in months everyone was in long trousers! They were all in position now with their backs to the area where the Bomb was being dropped. Smoking, talking together and waiting. Evans was thinking how long it would be before his wife would have the baby and if he would ever see it Suddenly at exactly 7.30am the Tannoy went silent and the announcement “Valiant aircraft is airborne and clear of the airfield”. Now came the wait while the aircraft completed a few navigational runs over the dropping area, then they would be told whether it was a live or dummy run. Evans thought of all the Ships patrolling just outside the dropping area. How he wished he were on one now instead of being crouched down on a coral beach. “The Valiant on a Navigational run between Alpha and Bravo”. Time for anti flash gear to go on, a lot of good it would do if anything did go wrong, still it was something.
Who will ever forget those last ten seconds? Knowing that the Bomb was falling through the air. A quickening of the heartbeat, a tightening of the chest, were these the last few seconds of life? ZERO. Now. This is it God the heat! The flash! A groan went up from the men on the beach as they felt the heat and saw the flash through their hands. The voice from the Tannoy broke the silence. “Stand up and face the Bomb. Stand up and face the Bomb”. The voice seemed quite excited. Evans along with a few thousand others stood up and turned to face the thing that had caused him so much worry. It made him gasp. A never to be forgotten sight of the huge fireball, the coloured, boiling, seething mass of gases was frightening yet beautiful and powerful. Evans thought he might have been in a cinema watching a science fiction film. Clouds seem to be racing away as the sonic bang spread out from the great fireball, which seemed to be changing into a mushroom of cloud and colour. Now for the bang. It reached the men on the beach like a crack of thunder and rolled across the sky like an echo. “Thank God for that,” said Evans, “Thank God for that”. Four hours later Evans received a telegram informing him that he was a Father of a 91b Boy. “Without a doubt a day to remember” Leading Seaman Peter C. H. Evans 1957
PENSION A group of ex-servicemen, The Armed Forces Pension Group, has issued a writ against the Government for the restitution of pensions for those who served less than 22 years between 1949 and 1975. This court case is expected to be heard within the next six months. The message I believe that all Veterans need to focus on based on my own experience is as follows: I’m ex RAF who served 1960 to 1974. In 1992 was awarded by DSS War pensions Directorate a service attributable disability pension resulting from disabilities commenced in 1966 whilst serving at Maralinga. Following DSS guidance, their MPL 153,1 applied for an enhanced pension linked to the career pension for my rank. This was under the terms of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (1973) which came into effect in 1975. After lengthy correspondence with MOD in 1992 this was rejected on three dubious counts that are: (1)
(2)
(3)
I was not medically discharged from the RAF in 1974 despite still being seen by RAF specialist’s six years later? DSS acceptance of my medical condition did not attribute to the Nuclear Test sites? This is just blatant discrimination because we all know anything linking us to the Nuclear Test programme is an anathema to them. Preserved pensions did not come in until 1975 and are not retrospective? This applies double standards since the House of Commons voted to amend MP’s pensions retrospectively.
The message, I believe is quite clear. We should focus on ensuring that, if the Armed Forces Pension Group succeed in their legal action, justice will demand that the Nuclear Test Veterans are also beneficiaries. Perhaps this is something our Solicitor could look into? Dennis Hayden Ex Maralinga 1965 /6 31 Beauchamp Meadow Lydney Glos G15 5NS LONDON BRANCH. The next meeting of the London & Kent Branches is on Saturday October 5th. At the Royal Engineers Museum, Brompton Barracks, Gillingham. Please let me know if are going to attend so I can organise Refreshments. MEMORIAL STONE I have made contact with my local Coop Funeral Parlour concerning a stone in London. Hopefully it will be in place early next year. The Church I have chosen goes
back to 11th century. It is at present being refurbished. I am also trying to obtain our own standard for London & S.E. England. REMEMBRANCE PARADE. Our President has applied for 100 tickets for the Parade. So lets try HARDER to use them ail. Anybody requiring tickets please send me a S.A.E. as soon as possible. The same goes for Garden of Remembrance on the Thursday prior to Parade. (See Presidents letter) Ken Taylor. London Rep. SUSSEX BRANCH The Executive Committee is pleased to report that the Sussex Branch is up and running again under the Chairmanship of Jim Cooper. Thank you Jim for all the hard work you have done. Please see the Reps list for his address and phone number. Jim says a Big Thank You to those who have agreed to support him by serving as secretary and treasurer and those working on the committee, and hopes all the veterans in this area will support them.
CHRISTMAS ISLAND REUNION AT SANT) BAY HOLIDAY VILLAGE, Weston -super- Mare. There is still time to book. It’s the weekend of 25th -28th October 2002. Price £99 per person for a great weekend. It’s open to Veterans, Widows, Family, and Friends. Contact Jim Cooper, Sussex Rep. MEDALS These can still be obtained from Peter Fletcher at a cost of £25.00. The procedure is - Send your cheques, made payable to ‘P Smith’. Who is Peter’s daughter, at Peter’s new address, which is 11 Lord Street, St Helens, Merseyside, WA10 2SJ. There is a waiting time of a few weeks because they have to be sent over from Australia.
“OUR DISABLED MEMBERS” As expected, we have many disabled or sick members who are unable to travel to our AGMs, or other meetings. However, they wish to be remembered to their fellow veterans and send their apologies for not being able to travel to meet with you all. One in particular, is Lewis Barrow from North Wales- ex RAF on Christmas Islandwho has asked to be remembered to his old comrades. Our best wishes to you all. FOR SALE One of our members David Small has written a book entided “Sometimes I Glow in the Dark and is offering the last 150 copies at the knock down price of only- £1.25 (the cost of P&P).
However, he is hoping that the buyer will ADD A DONATION to tliat amount which will be given to the BNTVA funds. David was a National Serviceman who served on Christmas Island. Anyone wishing to purchase this book should send the order to: David Small, 23 Elmhurst Way, West Moors, Femdown, Dorset, BH22 ODN HMS NARVIK GRAPPLE SQUADRON FROM 1956 TO 1959 During May HMS Narvik held their 6th Reunion for those members who were on Christmas Island during 1956-59, which was as usual a great success. 25 members with thenwives and friends attended on the Friday night, the 3rd, which was a buffet style evening from 1800 hours. This was the main evening, where everyone caught up on gossip and reminisced of ‘days gone by\ We also welcomed 2 new members from Cheshunt in Kent and Woking, also the return of our friend and member with his wife, John (Shiner) Wright, who now lives in Spain. On Saturday, 4th May, the day was their own time, to either go shopping, or visit the Cathedral, Museum, Flag Fen, (which is the Anglo-Saxon village at Fengate), or they wandered where they wished. In the evening 1800 hours for drinks, then had our 3-course meal at 1830 hours, finishing off the evening in the bar until late! We have an updated list of all past and present members on file, which is now 101 complete addresses and ratings, etc, but sony to say many now ex-members have also crossed the bar. After last year’s reunion we were sorry to hear John (Wiggy) Bennett, sadly crossed the bar on 31st July after a long illness, also Brian Jaycocks died of a heart attack in late August, also last year. Both of these friends were sadly missed at our reunion. At our reunion in 1999, we agreed to present the Narvik Sea Cadet Corp in Bromley, with £100 cheque. At last in April this year our member Bob Erwen stayed with his son, who lives in Bromley, and was able to make a presentation at the Sea Cadets meeting, the above cheque, plus information, photographs etc. which we had collated for them. Our 7th Reunion weekend is to be on the 2nd and 3rd May 2003 Rod and Val Jenkins HELP PLEASE. IF YOU CAN w I am in the process of appealing against the refusal of a War Pension and would be grateful if anyone can help me with some information. I served on Christmas Island June 1956-October 1957 and have developed the following health problems- Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 - recurrent blisters on the feet, legs and
less often, arms and hands. I feel this is all due to my stay on the Island. / If any of you suffer from the diabetes, could you tell me-? 1 when you were on the Island and what part also what job you were doing, 2 When did it start and how, also do you or your doctor, know what triggered it off, 3 have you a family history of diabetes. 4 If you suffer from the blisters, could you tell me? When did the blisters start and what were they like and how often did they occur. Was a cause or probable cause, found and if so, what was it, 5 do you have any documentation about blisters, i.e. Medical description, diagnosis or similar, that I can show my doctor for comparison. Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks” Bruce Ford-Cox -Mem No CO20 email bruce anthon cox@yahoo.co.uk Pass word Kilmaine 2nd Floor, Chelsea House, 120 Wells Road, Bath BA2 3AH
Our Secretary will away from home in Poland from the 5th to 29th October 2002 for medical treatment. Please send all communications to the Chairman.
SORRY The committee apologizes for the late delivery of this Newsletter this has been due to illness.
Copy for our next newsletter to be sent to the Editor JeffLiddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA Deadline 1st January 2003
Subscriptions Because of illnesses, previously mentioned, we will not be issuing a Christmas Newsletter - the next will be in February 2003. Therefore, don't forget Subs Are Due On 1st January 2003 - send them to the Treasurer.
Picture Page
Part of 61 Fd Sqn Royal Engineers Christmas Island 1958
Bob Smith & Peter Williams with standards representing the BNTVA at the Queens Golden Jubilee Celebrations June 2002
Message from Australia I want to say hello to all the people I served with on Christmas Island during1958. The photo shows me with Tony Goldsmith outside our tent, ‘Clochmerle\ Best Wishes to you all. Roger Busmer 54 Bayside Drive Beachmere 4510 Queensland Australia
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BRITISH NUCLEAR TESTS VETERANS ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT
CHAIRMAN
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Peter FLETCHER MBE 11 Lord Street St Helens Merseyside WA10 2SJ TEL/FAX: 01744 630612
John LOWE 45 Sheldrake Road Broadhcath Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5LJ TEL/FAX: 0161 941 2164
Derick REDFERN 32 St Aubyn Crescent Newquay Cornwall TR7 2RQ TEL/FAX: 01637 879048
SECRETARY
TREASURER
Sheila GRAY(Mrs) 11 Grosmont Drive Billingham Cleveland TS23 2EP TEL/FAX: 01642 559903
Ken ROBERTS 1 Regal Close Seaton Carew Hartlepool Cleveland TS25 IDG TEL: 01942 887566
CHILDREN’S REP Martin BLACKBURN 154 Astley Street Tyldeseley Manchester M29 7AX TEL/FAX 01429 273392
& Derek HEAPS 4 Bakewell Drive Castle Donnington Derby DE7 2NF TEL: 01332 811429
( —
Ken TAYLOR 7 Turley Close Stratford London E15 3JD TEL: 0208 555 2644
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CHAPLAIN The Very Rev Nicholas FRAYLING Dean of Chichester The Deanery Canon Lane Chichester West Sussex PO!9 IPX
SOLICITOR: Ian GREENHALGH LLB, Unit B, Worthington Way, Mams Bridge, Wigan WN3 6XE TEL: 01942 820202
BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES Noel HENDY (Cornwall) 2 Bowdens Row West End Redruth Cornwall TR15 2TS TEL/FAX: 01209 214814
Tom KITCHING (Humberside) 5 EUerby Grove Preston Road Hull HU9 3PR TEL: 01482 793082
Ken TAYLOR (London) 7 TurleyClose Stratford London E15 3JD TEL: 0208 555 2644
John LOWE (Manchester) 45 Sheldrake Road Broadheath Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5LJ TEL: 01619412164
Pat HURLEY (Milton Keynes) 24 Caxton Road Old Wolverton Milton Keynes Bucks MK12 50PG TEL: 01908 313024
Les GOSLING (P/mouth) 49 Lincoln Road Fratton Portsmouth Hants POl 5BG TEL: 023 92 614673
Jim McGOWAN (Scotland)
Wally Holdsworth (W Yorks)
125 Whitburn Street Carntyne Glasgow G32 6RP TEL: 0141 7786954
11 Foundry Walk Leeds W Yorks LS8 3PZ TEL: 0113 2946149
Peter & Gron WILLIAMS (S Wales) 27 Heol Myryddin Ffairfach Llandeilo S Wales SA19 6PD TEL: 01558 822141
Peter BULLEN (N Wales) Penland Mill Cottage) Llandegai Bangor Gwynedd LL57 4LG TEL: 01248 352708 SCOTTISH Branch - in process of having a new Representative appointed Marilyn HALL (Mrs) (E Midlands) 35 Shetland Road Leicester LE4 6RS TEL: 0116 2251783 FAX: 0116 2251784
Jim COOPER (Sussex) 30 Beaumont Road Worthing West Sussex BN14 8HD Tel: 01903 232108
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BRITISH NUCLEAR TESTS VETERANS ASSOCIATION
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AGM -27APRIL2002 %
THE HORSESHOE SHOWSAR - PLEASURE BEACH - BLACKPOOL PRESENT: Vice-Chairman Secretary Treasurer Exec Cmte
Solicitor Chaplain
John Lowe Sheila Gray Ken Roberts Martin Blackburn Derek Heaps Derick Redfern Ian Greenhalgh LLB Canon Nicholas Frayling
The Meeting commenced at 13.30 hours with an attendance of approx 220, comprising of Members, Associate Members and Friends. 1.
A very disappointing Parade of Standards was held because the North West of England Standard was the only one paraded. Concern was voiced that the other Standards had not been brought to the Meeting. It was also of concern that the official Association Standard was nowhere in sight Later in the Meeting, John Lowe asked the members if they knew who was holding it as it must be returned to the Association.
2.
The Act of Homage, the Last Post and Reveille was played to a hushed audience.
3.
Sheila Gray welcomed the members to this, the fifteenth AGM, to be held consecutively at Blackpool. Sheila thanked Mrs Margaret Roffey and the Blackpool Tourist Board for, once again, allowing us the free us of the Horseshoe Show Bar and without their generosity we would have had great difficulty holding our AGMs. She then explained that Peter Fletcher was still ill in hospital but hoped to be allowed to attend the Church Service the following day. She said there were too many other apologies of absence to name but she did want to mention one and that was Jeff Liddiatt Sheila told the members how he had been responsible for setting up our last two Newsletters, even though he was waiting for yet another operation on his back and wanted to thank him for all his hard work. She wished him well when he went into hospital. She then read out two letters of commendation from our friends in Poland in which we were sent many good wishes for a successful meeting.
4.
John Lowe asked if the members would accept last year's AGM Minutes as read and this motion was proposed by Tom Kitching and Seconded by Denis Shaw.
5.
Before the Meeting got truly under way, Sheila Gray told the members she had elected herself to speak about Peter as she was the longest serving Cmte Member working alongside Peter. She explained how his illness had sadly made him realise he could not stand again for election to Chairman. Sheila told of some of his generous qualities when anyone was in need. She said she was proud to have served with him for seventeen years. Sheila then put a suggestion to the Meeting - it was the wish of the Exec Cmte to do Peter the honour of making him a Life President of our Association. She said that when it came to election time a vote would be taken - there was a round of applause for Peter.
6.
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Because Peter could not be with us, he had sent his 'Chairman's Report' and John Lowe, our Vice-Chairman, read it out In it Peter also thanked Mrs Roffey, her Staff and the Blackpool Tourist Board and said it had been an honour, privilege and pleasure to organise each and every one of the fifteen held here as well as the Church Service held each Sunday afterwards. Peter also sent his 'thanks' to Sid and Ivy Harris who always organised the Church Parade. Peter then went on to say that, as it states in the Frank Sinatra song 'My Way', his time had come and he knows he is facing the final curtain and that was the reason for not standing for re-election. He thanked Sheila Gray and the rest of the Cmte for 'carrying him' this past year and that he was grateful for their help. He went on to say that he hoped we still would not 'write him off but allow him to help and advise, at Cmte level, wherever possible.
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Peter went on to say that he had two goals to aim for and ardently prayed he would see them. 1. To see the 3rd October, which is the 50* anniversary of our first bomb. He wants everyone to mark this day with Services of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at our Memorial Stones, nation-wide and to press for Media coverage to recognise it as ’Nuclear Veterans Day*. 2. To be able to attend the Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph in London on 10 November 2002. His hope is to be able to lead our contingent for the last time. Peter ended by saying that it is almost nineteen years since he heard of and joined, the BNTVA and had served first as a Representative, then Vice-Chairman and lastly, for the last two years, as Chairman. He said he felt he had done his duty to the best of his ability but above all, they were years in which he had made hundreds of friends world-wide. He said he was now standing down and wanted to wish all the members well and asked them to continue to support fOur elite Association' and its Committee and follow the Motto that he introduced many years ago - ALL WE SEEK IS JUSTICE. 7.
8.
SECRETARY'S REPORT: Sheila began by informing the members that our Chaplain, Canon Frayling, would be joining us shortly and also that he would be speaking at the Church Service the following morning. She was also pleased to say that, although he had been elevated to the position of Dean of Chichester, it was his intention to remain our Chaplain, for which everyone showed their appreciation. Sheila then informed the members, that because of ill health, our Scottish Representative, Jim McGowan was obliged to stand down. She asked for volunteers to come forward to take over from Jim. If anyone is willing they are to contact a member of the Committee. The members were told that a letter of condolence had been sent to the Queen in respect of the death of the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret A further letter had been sent to the Queen in respect of a Veteran's medal It had been brought to Sheila's attention that the New Zealand veterans had been authorised, by the Queen, to receive a special medal which is being given them for serving in 'very difficult, adverse, extreme or hazardous circumstances' that do not fit the criteria for operation service. In the letter it was pointed out that our Governments had refused we, the UK nuclear veterans and asked that she intervene. A copy of the letter was also sent to Dr Lewis Moonie MP, at the MOD. Sheila told the members that it was Peter's wish that all our envelopes have 3 October written on the back of them so that no-one will forget that date. Finally, she asked that members inform her of changes to their telephone numbers. When trying to contact them, when the Press wished to speak with them, most of the time the number was either, not on their membership form - out of date - or when she tried the exchange was told it was 'ex-directory'! It is important that we are kept up to date with any changes so that we can reach you when necessary. TREASURER'S REPORT: Again Ken Roberts began his report by thanking his wife, Eileen, for her invaluable support with the Banking and Post He went on to say that the good financial year we have had was due to prudent management but also because of the confidence the membership has shown in its officials. He said that the membership and donation payments had virtually doubled in the past year. He also pointed out that our expenditure had increased somewhat but this was mainly due to a one off payment in legal fees. It had been decided last July, at an Exec Cmte meeting, because we were now solvent, that we compensate our Solicitor, somewhat, for the work he did for us 'on the cheap' when we were without funds but were in urgent need of legal action. It was decided to give him £1,000, which even then, did not even get close to the amount any other solicitor would have charged us. The accounts have been regularly reported to the Branch Representatives. Ken informed the meeting that our funds now stood at - £21,099.75 with £5,462,29 of that amount being held in our current bank account He commented that this amount was 'slightly different' to when this present Committee took over in April 2000!! Ken asked if the Meeting was prepared to accept these accounts and the motion was proposed by Ted Allen and Seconded by John Parker. Ken finished by saying he was pleased that the members were now paying their subscriptions at the beginning of the year and most were in by the end of ApriL He thanked the members for their co-operation. He also thanked the Exec Cmte for their frugal claims of expenses, this had all gone to make a successful financial year.
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