BNTVA Journal Spring 2013

In remembrance of those who did not make it this far and in support of those who have

CAMPAIGN The Journal of the BNTVA Registered Charity Number 1131134 TM

Spring 2013

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Portsmouth Cathedral memorial stone In the Winter 2011 Journal, the Chaplain talked about the memorial stone in the garden at Portsmouth Cathedral. We were visiting the Cathedral to see the fine display of crocuses in the grounds, and as we do when we are there, we visited our Memorial.

Peter Ely

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The Chaplain writes

Who is my neighbour?

One of the best-known stories of Jesus, recorded in the Bible, is ‘The Good Samaritan’ (St Luke, Chapter 10: 2536). It was told in response to a question from a smart lawyer, ‘ … and who is my neighbour?’

During my 25+ years of connection with the Association, I have been struck by the level of care and compassion that members show towards each other. Partly this is a normal consequence of service life; men and women are trained to ‘look out for each other’, but in the case of our veterans there is another dimension: that of shared suffering, apprehension about the future, and a strong belief that public recognition has for too long been denied.

In Jesus’ story, the focus of care and concern was one bruised and bleeding foreigner lying by the roadside, the point being that the person to whom we happen to be nearest at any moment is ‘my neighbour’.

A contemporary writer expresses the same truth in a rather different way, which I find moving and challenging: ‘Reach out and take hold of the one who happens to be nearest. If you are never able to help or save another, at least you will have saved one. To help put meaning into a single life may not produce universal regeneration, but it happens to represent the basic form of energy in a Society. It is also the test of individual responsibility’.

(Norman Cousins).

Nicholas Frayling, Chichester Cathedral

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Britannia Hotel - Directions Britannia Hotel Coventry Fairfax St, Coventry, CV1 5RP Tel: 0871 221 0191 From the Motorway - South When on the M3 leave at Junction 9 and at the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A34 and at the next roundabout take the 1st exit and join with the M40. At the roundabout take the 4th exit onto the A46.

At the next roundabout take the 1st exit to merge onto the A44114 at the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A4053, follow the signs for Coventry City Centre which will bring you onto the Coventry Ring Road.

Leave the Ring Road at Junction 2 and follow signs for Coventry Cathedral. This will bring you to the front of the Britannia Coventry Hotel.

From the Motorway - North When on the M1 branch left to join the M6, then leave the M6 at Junction 2 and at the roundabout leave via the 2nd exit to take you onto the A4600, follow the signs to Coventry Ring Road. Leave the Ring Road at Junction 2 and follow signs for Coventry Cathedral. This will bring you to the front of the Britannia Coventry Hotel.

From Birmingham International Airport Leave Birmingham Airport to join the A45, branch left to join the A45 then at the first roundabout take the 2nd exit to join with the A4114. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A4114. At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, continue on A4114 to join the Coventry Ring Road.

When on the Coventry Ring Road leave at Junction 2 and follow the signs for Coventry Cathedral and this will bring you to the front of Britannia Coventry Hotel.

Approximate cost for in a Taxi = ÂŁ28.00 From Coventry Train Station Leave the train station and take the first left hand turn. When at the roundabout take the 2nd exit to join with Coventry Ring Road. Keep going straight until you come to the next roundabout with the Royal Mail sorting office on the left hand side and take the 2nd exit. Leave at Junction 2 the first junction you come to and keep in the left hand lane. Follow the signs to Coventry Cathedral and this will bring you to the front of the Britannia Coventry Hotel.

Approximate Cost in Taxi - ÂŁ6.00.

From the Bus Station The Bus Station is opposite the hotel and walking will take you a couple of minutes.

Hotel Parking and Drop Off The parking for the Britannia Hotel Coventry is a little further along the road from the hotel on the opposite side of the road just after the bus station. There is a lay by infront of the hotel for unloading and the hotel staff will assist guests with their luggage, just pop your head through the door and give them a call.

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Programme of Events – Conference 2013 Friday 24th May 2013 1300 onwards – Reception There is a special meeting and greeting room provided for BNTVA members and friends opposite the main hotel reception.

1800 -1900 - Preview of ‘Shadow of the Bomb’ art exhibition You will have an exclusive preview of the exhibition and be able to meet some of the artists and people behind the event.

1930 onwards – Evening meal and entertainment

Saturday 25th May 1030-1300 BNTVA Annual General Meeting (agenda included in this magazine).

1400-1700 BNTVA Annual Conference This year we will enjoy presentations from COBSEO, Cratus Communications and the National Memorial Arboretum. Association des Vétérans des Essais Nucléaires 1900 onward – Gala Dinner with Guest of Honour and entertainment.

Dress Code for the Gala Dinner on 25th May. Please note the dress code for the Gala Dinner will be as last year: Ladies: Smart Dress or Gown. Gentlemen: Lounge Suite or Evening Suit

Sunday 26th May 1030 – 1500 Special excursion to the National Memorial Arboretum

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The BNTVA Annual General Meeting 25th May 2012 - Britannia Hotel Coventry Registration from 10:30h Meeting Commences 11:00h Agenda 1

Chairpersons welcome and address

2 In memoriam: We remember those who have passed away since our last Conference.

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Organisation Managers report – Jeff Liddiatt

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Financial report - Ian Greenhalgh

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Membership Report – Lisa Bainbridge

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Editors Report – Steve Bexon

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Merchandising Report – Ian Hall

8 Trustee Re-appointment All those who became trustees when the charity was formed have to stand

down and seek re approval at this AGM. 9

Motions to set before meeting 9.1 Constitutional Amendments 9.2 Ordinary Motions

10 AOB on business section close at 13.00 hrs or earlier Would all members please ensure they register on entry and obtain a voting slip; Only members may request the floor to speak or cast a vote, You will need the slip to indicate this.

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Recognition Campaign Update Although we have not published any updates on the campaign recently this does not mean there has been nothing happening.

Capitalising on the tremendous effort you made to get your MP’s engaged in the campaign we are engaged in a series of meetings and activities to put the final plans and tactics into place. Obviously much of this activity has taken place ‘behind closed doors’ however, we will be in a position to update you all at Conference.

Trustee Recruitment Update All prospective Trustee applications have been received and will be considered for recommendation by the Board prior to the AGM. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the applicants, the form is very comprehensive and does take some effort to complete but then the role of Trustee is demanding and requires a similar degree of effort on a regular basis.

The successful applicants will be recommended for appointment at the AGM.

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Sapper Alan Gilman Royal Engineers Service Number 23418825 I was 21 in February 1957 and had completed an engineering apprenticeship with a Power Boiler Company. I had also completed and passed exams for Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering in August 1957.

I was conscripted to the Royal Engineers to do National Service, and with my tiny suitcase packed left Derby station on 10 September 1957 to join Number 1 Training Regiment at Malvern. My party intake number was 5717.

There was one other on the station that had the same despondent look on his face. I only remember him as “Derby” and we lost contact during training. We spent 2 weeks in Malvern being kitted out and generally made to feel miserable. I played for the camp rugby team and was promised that I would get a permanent posting at this camp. The rank of the officer running the team was not high enough to achieve this. The next posting was to Number 9 Training regiment at Farnborough for square bashing.

During this period I was interviewed by an officer as what my career would be in the army, and was convinced by this gentleman although I had sufficient qualifications, that

officer training was not for me, but he convinced me that I should be a Technical Storeman with a high emphasis on the technical side of things. After 6 weeks I was sent to Long Marsten to complete the course and was duly made a storeman Grade III and was not in the slightest technical. During this time an officer did notice my civilian qualifications and automatically gave me Army trade draughtsman Grade AII, which meant a 7 shilling a week rise in pay immediately, which was a 25% rise.

In November 1957 I was posted to 38 Corps Eng Regiment who were forming up at Ripon to be sent to Christmas Island. After being kitted out with tropical gear and 2 weeks embarkation leave with Christmas at home we transferred to Southampton and sailed on or around 29 December 1957 on the TT Dunera. I was with the Motor Transport Troop and managed to be billeted above the water line of the ship. Sea sickness and boredom were prominent and the “Jocks” had New Years Eve some where near the

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Bay of Biscay on very rough seas.

First port of call was Curacao, but with only 7 Gilders to spend we just looked at the sights. We spent a day going through the Panama Canal which was very interesting going through the locks being raised 20 feet. Panama City was another world with only 6 US Dollars to spend this time around, and not the place for young National Servicemen being pressured by the ladies of the night.

Thereafter we set sail into the Pacific Ocean into the open sea not on any shipping routes. Generally life was boring on the ship; some entertainment was provided such as deck hockey, and tug of war, but only provided an occasion to knock the hell out of one another, particularly when an officer ventured on to the hockey pitch; never miss a chance to let them know who was really in charge. The army also used the time to upgrade the education of various soldiers. I was exempt army education due to my civilian qualifications, but was put on orders to attend classes for the lowest level; army education part III. On questioning the decision I was told that it was education or scrubbing the decks. Guess which one I chose, and tutored “Brummy� with fractions and how to use the decimal place in arithmetic. I found it difficult that someone had gone through school without learning basic arithmetic.

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Around about 6 February 1958 the ship docked off Christmas Island on the outside of the reef. We were ordered to dress in our best kit which included the good old army boots, and with kit bags packed waited our turn to be let off the ship. We were greeted by the Royal Marines with DUKW landing craft and we had to struggle down the side of the ship, on a wooden ladder at about 60 degrees on to a pontoon, which was heaving in the swell of the sea, and then judge your jump into the DUKW. Berets and kit bags were lost at sea.

We were greeted by the guys who were due out on that horrible ship, and were transported to our tent lines in the main camp. We were greeted by an empty tent with a corral floor and a couple of land crabs. Eventually we were issued with a tin ammunition box with bedding and a camp bed, which tipped over when you turned over in your sleep. Work started next day on the MT Troop, who was responsible for providing transport for all the work to be done on the Island.

Over the next few days we raided the yard for used packing cases, which were used to make your bed off the ground and somewhere to store our kit. After about 2 weeks the heavens opened and as we were at the bottom of a slight slope; we came back to see most of our belongings floating around the tent. We were eventually visited by an officer who accused us

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of neglecting our duties by not digging trenches around the tent to avoid the water going through the tent. We were never ever issued with shovels and we dug the trenches with what we could use. We never got rain that heavy ever again.

I was the storeman with the vehicle mechanics whose job was to keep a fleet of Lorries on the road at the quarry, moving lagoon mud for the roads, and transporting bitumen and cement barrels from the port. The main problem with my job was that we were not allowed to keep parts and all parts had to be ordered from the RAOC stores down the road. To obtain a part I had to read the manual for a particular vehicle and find its true description and number and fill in the necessary paperwork.

I learned a lot about vehicle engines.

I did not know how to drive, which did not impress my Sergeant, who said he would give me lessons; I had one lesson on an American Jeep which had survived from the second war, and thereafter was turned loose with lots of mishaps, this one sticks out in my mind. I was told to follow our Sergeant who was in the CO’s Land Rover so that I could collect him after delivery back to the CO, and he set off without me, and I did not know at this time where the CO’s office was situated. I had just collected 3 heavy duty batteries from the REME workshops in the Jeep and had not

unloaded them, so set off very quickly to keep the Land Rover in sight.

Eventually the Land Rover turned left, so decided to do likewise, but in the panic forgot to apply the brakes and took the corner too fast and 2 of the batteries tipped over and spilt acid all over the Jeep. With the jeep still moving at a fair pace I put all my attention to righting the batteries until there was a sickening thud as I hit the back of the Land Rover who had signalled to turn immediately right. The Sergeant had anticipated the event and had started to move to soften the blow. Nevertheless I thought this was me finished, but both vehicles had robust bumper bars and only bent the reflectors on the Land Rover, and a ‘polite’ warning from the Sergeant to keep my (swear word) eyes open and look to the front. I drove any type of truck on any occasion to improve my driving skills.

Because of the fact that we were on the MT Troop transport was easy to come by when we had spare time, likewise the petrol depot was not controlled, so we often went to the lagoons and camped (slept on the truck) and fished with home made spears. We chased sand sharks in shallow lagoons until we hit them with a spear. We lived on army rations issued from the cookhouse.

I was put on the night shift which commenced at 17h30 and finished at 03h30 next morning. Sleeping was

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now a problem because of the flies and the heat of the day. I had even less to do on nightshift as the Stores and REME workshops were closed at night, but spent my time fetching and cooking from the cookhouse, which was run by the RAF, 20 or so egg and bacon butties at midnight, and also using my influence to obtain tea and sugar which was always in short supply especially for the night shift.

To make the tea we made an improvised electric kettle which consisted of a square biscuit tin with an iron bar suspended by wire from a piece of wood across the top of the tin; another wire was connected to the tin hence an electrical connection via the water placed in the tin. The wires were pushed into the electric socket, and switched on, and all the power locally went to half but the water boiled quickly and all the lads in the vicinity knew there was a brew. The kettle was abandoned when we had a water spill and the floor became electrically alive. We then used petrol burning in a bucket of sand to boil water.

To stop boredom completely taking over I used to drive the Scammel tractors towing low loaders with 20 ton of bitumen in barrels on board.

This gave me good driving skills and gave the driver a chance to rest.

During this period on the MT Troop the occasion arose for the first H-bomb test to take place in

April 1958 and we went on 2 or 3 rehearsals prior to the bomb being exploded. On the third occasion we were told over the tannoy that it was a live run. To go on these rehearsals we were paraded at 02h30 for roll call and went to the meeting area where all members not directly involved with the test gathered. MT Troop provided the trucks which had to be started and everyone on board when the Valiant aeroplane took off; it was a precaution taken that if the plane crashed on take off, and radioactivity was released; the trucks could go to a point on the island which hopefully would not be contaminated. All of us guessed that the third rehearsal was the real thing so some of us went to the NAAFI the night before and had an enormous booze up. I never went to bed and went on parade in the dark completely stoned in the cotton suits and hood which we were issued which we were told were fire proof, and not to protect us from contamination.

I slept until the sun came up and around about 09h00 we were told “This is a live run� and could see the aircraft above us as a small silver speck in the sky. We were told to sit in a crouched position with our backs to the explosion, and place the heels of our hands firmly in our eye sockets.

(Previously we had to sign a document to the effect that we had to obey all instructions given to us during these tests).

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The count down went to zero and there was a moment’s pause and then the flash came and even with our eyes firmly covered every where was brightly lit up. The next stage was the heat which was quite intense on our backs, and then we were told to turn and face the explosion, jaws dropped open as we saw a red ball of fire, and then a rumbling noise like thunder which penetrated the body, and stayed in my head for at least 2 days. Some people ran in the opposite direction in panic, some people fell to their knees and prayed for help and forgiveness, most of us just stood on the spot and hoped the hierarchy knew what they were doing. Next was the blast which tilted the palm trees and blew a few things around. After all what had happened the trucks went back to the yard and we went back to work with the awful cloud still remaining in the sky for that day. Having gone through the first test the following tests were quite insignificant and some of them occurred without any knowledge of them happening.

Soon after the first test a company of RASC arrived and took over the transport, which left about 100 Royal Engineers to be dispersed amongst the regiment. The OC of the MT Troop was Captain Yerborough and one of the best officers I met while doing my time. On break up of the troop all Sappers who did not have a trade as a driver were given one. I fell into this category and later when back in Ripon

I convinced the then OC of transport to issue me with a full drivers license without ever driving in the UK. I still drive on this license and was about the only thing the army did for me.

Captain Yerborough also paid out of his pocket for a booze up on the beach for all the troop, which lasted well into the night.

For my sins I was transferred to RHQ troop as a clerk in the orderly room, and when questioning the Chief Clerk as to how this decision was made as I did not have an army trade as a clerk, but possessed 3 other trades. I was informed that I was more intelligent than most and hence why I got the job. Not a satisfactory answer from my point of view but all the lads in the office were National Servicemen and it turned out as a great place to be.

My main tasks were the up keep of officer’s documents and records which were kept in the Adjutant’s office and did not leave that office, air movements for Royal Engineers leaving the Island. I was quite popular when the regiment was leaving because I was involved in allocating people on aeroplanes to return home.

RHQ troop had one of the best soccer sides on the Island and was run by Joe Clark from Glasgow who had played professional soccer with Albion Rovers. We had some good games particularly with 12 Squadron whose team was run by their SSM who had a 6 digit army number.

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I think he joined up when the RE’s were invented. One of the times we could take the “Mickey” out of someone with rank. He was a man who got a lot of respect.

My desk was just outside the office of the RSM whose name was “Topper” Brown, and when anyone who had done a misdemeanour and was placed on orders to go in front of the CO; he poked his head round the door and politely told me to turn up next day in my best kit to perform as an escort for the unfortunate prisoner.

On asking the question “why me” I was told that I was a big “so and so” and became a regular escort for all the miscreants of 38 Regiment.

The RSM was another man who got respect from the guys in the office.

The CO Lt. Col. Clutterbuck was an officer I admired as being a true gentleman. On one occasion I was on duty clerk for all of Sunday which included sleeping in the Orderly room so their were a bed and mattress provided, and during the day the mattress was rolled up on the bed.

The previous night I had taken too many beers in the NAAFI and turned up for duty clerk with a large hangover, unshaven and smelling like a horse. The temptation to sit on the bed against the mattress was too much, and I fell asleep only to be woken by someone gently touching my shoulder and apologising profoundly and asking me if I could

help him. It was the CO who had written to all the next of kin of the whole regiment asking whether they had any problems. The CO had to reply to these letters and wanted some background of the people involved. I sat with the CO all morning helping him with the replies and advising him on various members I knew in the regiment.

A highlight of our life was to visit the air field when a civilian aircraft arrived just to get a glimpse at one of the air hostesses. We would be called perverts in today’s world.

I left the Island in December 1958 on one of the last aeroplanes to carry 38 Regiment. The aeroplane was owned

by BOAC and we travelled back via San Francisco with a stop of 2 hours, and New York with a stop over of 8 hours. We did not go any where as the temperature was 8 degrees C below zero. We arrived back in Stansted early in the morning after 3 days of travelling, got paid and went on 7 weeks leave. I arrived back in Derby later that day only to find that nobody was bothered about a Sapper arriving from Christmas Island after being subjected to 5 atomic tests, and nobody is really bothered to this day, except the people who went through the same ordeal.

Sapper Alan Gilman - Royal Engineers Service Number 23418825

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BNTVA Contact Details

Registered Charity Number 1131134

This is the only correspondence address and telephone number for the Association.

BNTVA BM 5657 LONDON WC1N 3XX

24 Hour Call Back Service

0208 144 3080

National Chairman Nigel Heaps Email chairman@bntva.com Skype: nigel.heaps Tel: 0780 7268016 Blackberry message ID 2A1EE433

Operations Manager Jeff Liddiatt Email j.liddiatt@bntva.com Tel: 0780 7268041 Blackberry message ID 25F9CC08

Financial Controller Ian Greenhalgh LLB Email i.greenhalgh@bntva.com

Chaplain The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling BA, LLD Dean of Chichester Email n.frayling@bntva.com

London Events Organiser & Trustee Don James Email d.james@bntva.com

Archive Administrator & Trustee Doug Hern Email d.hern@bntva.com

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TM

Don’t forget!

National Atomic Veterans awareness day is the 3rd October, put it in your diary, more information will be announced in the next issue of Campaign.

Trustee Lisa Bainbridge

Trustee Ian Hall

Email l.bainbridge@bntva.com

Email i.hall@bntva.com

Trustee Stephen Evans

Trustee and Campaign Editor Steve Bexon

Email s.evans@bntva.com

Email editor@bntva.com

Trustee Fred Stellard Email f.stallard@bntva.com

Media Representative Email media@bntva.com

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Kenneth Boothman In June 1957 I was given a draft Naval Party 25/12. Two weeks later I went on summer leave in July, It would be the start of a long Journey.

I was recalled after 3 days, on arriving back at Portsmouth barracks I was given three injections in each arm, not knowing why. Within 1 hour I was sent back on leave and was told forget the three days.

I was allowed my full summer leave and 2 weeks embarkation leave. I arrived back in barracks at the end of July. I was given a passport and told to wear civillian clothes. I was taken to Heathrow Airport

by Navy transport, still not knowing where I was being sent.

Myself and 8 other Navy lads were presented with “Task Force Grapple� certificate. The faded signature at the bottom is Capt Guy Weston RN Task Force Commander Grapple.

At the airport I went to see the R.T.O, after giving my identification I was given an envelope that contained my written isnstructions, a one way ticket to the USA and sixty US dollars. I flew from Heathrow in a US civillian airline via Shannon, Rekovic, Greenland, Goosebay in Labrador Canada and then onto New York.

I stayed in New York for 5 days in the 5 star Belvedere Hotel in Times Square.

The delay was due to the American holiday season and no direct flights to San Francisco. The journey then resumed with a flight from New York to Seatle, Seatle to San Francisco, San Francisco to Wikii Hawaii spending 9 days at the Reef Hotel.

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Is this Colin Jones?

The next flight 1500 miles to Christmas Island arriving at 4am with my 8 R.N companions.

Within the next 2 weeks Benwyvis (heavy lift ship) brought from Portsmouth a 45FT M.F.V 630 and a lorry load of game fishing tackle.

M.F.V renamed HMS Resolution after Captain Cooks ship when he discovered Christmas Island.

Myself, Able Seaman Kennedy and 2 Gilbertese Lads were the crew on the boat for a year. We fished for Tuna 5am to 5pm seven days a week for a year testing fish for radiation before and after the bombs. Being the only boat there we were jack of all trades, burials at sea and every other job where the boat was required. The most interesting 12 months of my life.

M.E.I Kenneth Boothman P.K.X 914711 (R.N) This is only part of my husbands story.

He is physically a wreck but but has led a very interesting life. Fishing and the sea have been been a big part of his life. Not suprising as one of his ancestors was a cornish pirate and another was Captain Blythe.

Joyce Boothman

Dear Editor, in the latest issue of Campaign was an article by Colin Jones, RAF SAC Meteorologist but no photo as in the associated articles.

I was on Fanning Is. and took some snaps of the meteorological station.

I captured one of the chaps releasing a balloon. I wonder if this is Colin.

I was operating the Decca Navigator station, the radio masts of which can be seen in the background of the picture.

Thank you Cyril Gleeson.

BNTVA member: 2390 19 Norfolk Way, Bishop’s Stortford.

Herts. CM23 3PN c.f.gleeson@ntlworld.com

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R. Button - RAF LAC Cook My Christmas Islands cooks assistant sent me the Campaign magazine.

I didn’t know that such a publication like this existed, I have read through it several times.

I was a cook at the T.F.C. Taskforce Commanders Mess and then at the port area to take over from the Navy cooks. While at the T.F.C. I was duty cook on the morning of the nuclear bomb test for breakfast and lunch. The bomb was not far away, I saw a plane fly past the cloud but not the plane that dropped the bomb.

Best wishes.

R. Button (RAF LAC Cook)

Drawing R. Button

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Left Christmas Island Port Area 1959. Army building new dining area and new gally (kitchen) far distant. Photo viewed from inside an RAF tent. Tents to be replaced by new billets.

Below Christmas Island New Billets Port Area 1959. Taken from the top of the water tower.

Photo R. Button 1959

Rear of shot left to right: 1st Building - Unknown?

2nd - Ablutions, 3rd - RAF Billets, 4th - Navy Billets.

Front left to right: 1st building stores for sports equipment and L.Ps. 2nd - an old Navy tent, dark blue in colour.

Tent shot taken from here

Photo R. Button 1959

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Recollections - Derek Houghton I read with interest the article in the recent issue of Campaign by Ted Evans “Round the world in 5 Months”. It could have been me describing my own experiences in 1956 when I also was a 19 year old who volunteered for the same reasons as Ted. At a time when I had hardly moved from my own County of Norfolk, the idea of travelling to Australia was an opportunity not to be missed. At the time I was a newly qualified Clerk GD and my first; posting as such was to Weston Zoyland, a transit camp, ready for embarkation to Australia as part of Operation Buffalo. I wonder if Ted can remember the elderly couple who lived near to the camp and who readily provided ham egg and chip suppers on a Saturday evening for those returning to camp after a visit to Bridgwater.

My journey to Australia was almost a duplicate of Ted’s. The whole unit was split into different parties and I was one of a party of five, who travelled as ‘government officials’ by BOAC Stratocruiser to New York then Super Constellation to San Francisco where we spent three days at the Clift Hotel. We took in Honolulu and Fiji on our way to Sydney. After being adorned with flowers when we landed at Honolulu it was a come down when the welcome we got at our eventual destination, Adelaide, was only a Flight Sergeant, in the pouring

rain, reminding us that we were in the Airforce and should get a ‘move on’.

I was stationed at H.Q. at RAAF Edinburgh Field, which was much more comfortable than the tents at Maralinga.

I did however travel with the AOC when he went to witness one of the explosions which was the midnight one that Ted described in his article.

The experience was just as set out in the article and I have recalled that night many times during my lifetime. I remember the day after the explosion my Wing Commander coming into the office and asking if I would like to go for a ride to see the crater. I said yes and we flew over the site in a helicopter, dressed in our KD’s, and saw the devastation on the ground below. Only a few weeks later we were on our way home on the SS Orontes and arrived at Tilbury on the 21st December, just in time for Christmas.

From one 76 year old to another, Thanks for the memory Ted, it is such a long time ago, but reading your article it seems like only yesterday. Incidentally, I have wondered if Bob Smith, the former Trustee, was a member of Buffalo and if so, he might remember me as one of his party on our outward journey.

4163895 Cpl. Houghton D. (Derek) Member No. 2493

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Do you have any information?

I am representing my father - Allan John Grant (RAAF) - in an appeal for compensation/pension, for being involved in the British Atomic Test trials at Woomera in 1953. My father recollects that he flew in a Lincoln aircraft crewed by British personnel on the day after the detonation of Totem 1, on Friday 16th October 1953.

He flew all day as a passive observer but was seconded by the RAF to be on stand-by for a circuit that he had previously fixed on this aircraft, to make sure it operated without incident. The aircraft flew with its bomb bay doors open and he believes it was taking readings or measurements.

We are after any information that can tell us what this aircraft was doing on this particular day and its involvement in the Atomic trials at the time including the minor trials (kittens) which were around the same date.

I have attached a summary of events that give background information on dads movements in October 1953 and an extract below nominates the nine (9) British Lincolns involved in the trials on and around 1953: From our research we have ascertained that there were at least 9 RAF Lincolns in Australia at the time and these serial numbers are

RA638, RA640, RA644, RE258, RE259, RE339, RE418, RE423 AND RF403.

These were technically attached to Ardu at Laverton, but were mostly operated by No. 1 air trial unit at Woomera and No 2 Air Trials Unit at Edinburgh (S.A.) under the direction of the then weapons research establishment, most of the air and ground crews were British (RAF).

We are particularly interested in any information about the flight that took place on Friday 16th 1953, its purpose (mission) and what serial number it may have been. Any RAF crew’s recollections about any involvement in Totem 1 or surround Kitten minor trials.

Also any mention of dad as part of the crew on that particular day.

The Australian Lincolns that tracked the cloud of Totem 1 from Woomera, Richmond & Townsville - are all accounted for, but we don’t have any information of the British Lincolns involvement in cloud tracking or airburst sampling.

The information is rather urgent and I am writing to you as a suggestion from the president of the Australian Atomic Survivors Association (Rex Kay).

My contact details are: Paul Grant, 17 Montebourg Meander, Port Kennedy, Western Australia, 6172

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In memory of Bryan Taylor Bryan’s funeral took place on the 7th March 2013, and was attended by several of his RAF friends, family and close friends.

Bryan enlisted in the RAF on the 20th April 1055, 4168018 and served in the Admin branch. Following his training he served at RAF Northwood and in 1957/8 he was posted to Christmas Island and employed at Main Camp RAF HQ. He served during the `Grapple` operation on Christmas Island 1957/8 and was employed in the Admin Section of the RAF Headquarters, Main Camp for his 12 month tour.

We were friends for many years and had met initially during my service at 11 Police District HQ, Christmas island and had much in common regarding sport and fishing. We have remained in contact after he left the RAF in 1962 whereas I served to 1977.

As is the case for many veterans of the British Nuclear Test Programme, Bryan contracted symptoms of skin cancer in 1989 and following years of illness was awarded a `War Pension` for several diagnosed skins cancers attributable to his service.

He underwent several serious forms of surgery and treatment and was taken ill in early 2013, admitted to Barts Hospital, London where he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Ben Thomas (membership 2971)

CAMPAIGN Spring 2013 | 23

In memory of Michael Patrick Irving Hi Jeff, I am emailing on behalf of my Mum, Mrs G.H Irving (membership no: 3225). She asked If I would kindly forward some photos of my Dad’s headstone that she recently had commisioned. I understand that she was able to obtain permission directly from yourself to reproduce the BNTVA badge on the headstone. Not only has that allowed us to honour the role that my Dad played throughout that time, but it has meant the world to my Mum, which in turn has made the time pass a little easier.

Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for your kind assistance. May I wish you every success with all future campaigns... recognition is long overdue!

Warmest regards Vince V.A Hayes-Irving (Son) (membership no: 3228)

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Copies of the Constitution The current version of the BNTVA Constitution is available from the links on our website, http://www. bntva.com/downloads.htm.

A downloadable copy can be downloaded from: https://docs.google.com/ viewer?a=v&url=http://bntva.com/ index_htm_files/Constitution2012.pdf It can be viewed on Issu at: http://issuu.com/bntva/docs/ constitution2012 Any member attending the AGM who wishes a hard copy of the Constitution may order one for collection at the event by emailing j.liddiatt@bntva.com The cost of ÂŁ1.50 will be payable on collection.

If you pay tax in the UK and support the BNTVA Please ensure that you have completed and submitted your gift aid certificate. Contact Jeff Liddiatt at the main address for further details.

Are you a budding Photographer?

If so, please send us your pictures.

Do you have pictures of your time in the service, or shots of one of our numerous Memorial stones around the country?

If you do we want to publish them.

Its is better to send digital files (Jpegs preferably) or scan your prints and then send us your files.

We can scan prints, but Jpegs prevent the loss of valuable prints if sent by post.

So go on dust off your camera and send us your pictures.

Campaign Editor Steve Bexon.

CAMPAIGN Spring 2012 | 25

BNTVA Shop Window Band 1 items For Get Me Not Lapel Badge New Item Car Badge Blazer Badge BNTVA Lapel Badge Cuff Links Key Fob Tie Clip Trolley Token Bookmark Grapple Tie BNTVA Tie woven BNTVA Tie printed

£2.00 £3.00 £12.00 £2.50 £5.00 £2.00 £3.00 £1.00 £3.00 £9.50 £10.00 £7.50

Band 2 Items Caps Baseball Scarves Fleece Scarves Silk Shirts Small to XXXL

£11.00 £12.00 £13.00 £12.50

Band 3 Item Fleece Small to XXXL Mugs NAVAD & BNTVA

£22.00 £6.50

ALL PRICES PLUS POST AND PACKING Band 1 add £1.00 Band 2 add £3.00 Band 3 add £4.00 Band 4 add £5.00

BNTVA BM 5657 London WC1N 3XX

ONLIN

E S H O P C OMING

S

OON Check NEW FOR DE SDESK TAILS

26 | CAMPAIGN Spring 2013

Ways to pay your annual BNTVA membership subscription Set out below are the methods you can use to pay your membership subscription, due 1st of April each year.

By standing order using the personalised standing order form sent out with the Winter Edition of the magazine.

By using the BACS system take your cheque or cash into any HSBC branch make out the paying in slip with the following details: HSBC Bank plc 13 Parliament Street York YO1 8XS Sort code: 40-47-31 Account number: 64259351 Account name: British Nuclear Test Veterans Association Amount: ÂŁ15.00

By using your own Internet Banking account make the payment using the details below left.

PayPal payment to: secretary@bntva.com

If you are unable to use any above ways to pay, CHEQUES made out to the BNTVA only, can be sent to the central address.

BNTVA BM 5657 London WC1N 3XX

Have we got your correct address details?

Can you please check that your correct address and postcode is shown on mailing address labels on any communications that we send to you? If we have the incorrect address (especially postcode) please contact us and let us know the correct details. See the address above for the Association’s contact details.

CAMPAIGN Spring 2013 | 27

Campaign magazine is published by the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association.

Editor: Steve Bexon.

Next issue copy Deadline 30th June 2013.

All contributions for the magazine should be sent to the London address or emailed to editor@bntva.com BNTVA is not an anti-nuclear or an anti-war association. All opinions,views and quotations do not represent official BNTVA policy and are the sole responsibility of the writer.

Photographs and images – Š Copyright of owner acknowledged.

Campaign cannot guarantee total accuracy for any reproduction of letters / articles / transcripts.

BNTVA is a Registered Charity Reg. No 1131134 supporting past and present UK Nuclear Test Combined Service Veterans and their families.

Royal British Legion Education Pack 2012/2013 Copies of the 2012/2013 RBL Education Pack are available.

Please send your request for copies to the central address. Written request only will be actioned.

This important medal is a joint commission between the Australian and British Nuclear Veterans Associations providing medallic recognition to veterans who served in nuclear test site locations and supporting bases in Australia and the Pacific between 1952 and 1967.

Next of kin or direct descendants can also apply.

The obverse of the medal depicts the nuclear symbol surrounded by the words 'British Nuclear Weapons Tests in Australia & Pacific' and the reverse dramatically features a detonation cloud and the words 'For Service in Radioactive Areas 1952-1967'. The ribbon is white on the edges representing the blinding white flash that comes before the fireball and then subsides to the fireball which has the reddish fire in the centre and becomes the familiar mushroom shape.

An easy care 100% polyester navy blue tie has been tastefully designed with stripes matching the ribbon colours and bears an authenticating label on the reverse.

For further information and/or an application form contact Award Productions Ltd, (Dept. NNL) PO Box 300, Shrewsbury SY5 6WP, U.K. Tel: 01952 510053 Fax: 01952 510765 E-mail: award@crown-lane.co.uk

The Australian Nuclear Veterans Association and the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association are the beneficiaries of this project.

www.awardmedals.com

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