BNTVA Journal Spring 2012

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 2012

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London Cenotaph Parade Remembrance Sunday 13 Nov 2011 These Two photographs represents the members of the BNTVA who attended the London Cenotaph Parade on Remembrance Sunday 13 November 2011.

One shows members of the BNTVA at the field of remembrance at Westminster Abbey. The other shows members and members families outside our London HQ for the day, the local pub of our trustee Don James, who is seen holding the Standard. Our thanks to Don and the BNTVA, not only for the hospitality received by members and their families at “The Speaker’, but also for the dedication shown by Don and his family(His daughter is beside him in the photograph) in dutifully producing the Garden of remembrance at the Abbey.

With regard to the Portsmouth Group, we continue to meet monthly on the last Wednesday of each month at Twelve noon at the Froddington pub in Fratton Road, Portsmouth. We keep our eye on the BNTVA memorial stone and bench in the Cathedral Garden, and now our National Standard which hangs in the North Transept of the Cathedral itself.

Yours sincerely Norman Aplin. (2006)

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BNTVA AGM & Conference

TM

Friday 4th May- Sunday 6th May 2012

To be held at Heathlands Hotel Bournemouth

12 Grove Road, Eastcliff, Bournemouth, BH1 3AY This is your chance to book and reserve your room for the conference and AGM A booking form is included with this edition of the magazine, bookings can only be made using this form

The Gala Dinner on Saturday 5th May at 19.00 Hours The following dress options, Blazer and grey trousers, Lounge suit, or Dinner suit and black tie fulfil the Gala dinner dress code For those members and supporters who will not be staying at the hotel, the cost of the Gala Dinner is £17.50 per person. The booking form should also be used for attendance of the Gala Dinner only. Payment is due with the form.

We have been able to arrange a special discount of 50% reduction on standard National Express coach fares for all those who wish to attend the Conference AGM in Bournemouth in May 2012. See page 4 or the supplied form for details.

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BNTVA Conference AGM Bournemouth 2012

TM

Friday 4th May- Sunday 6th May 2012 We have been able to arrange a special discount of 50% reduction on standard National Express coach fares for all those who wish to attend the Conference AGM in Bournemouth in May 2012.

These special discount fares can only be booked on the internet or by telephone.

Available on journeys to/from Bournemouth only 2 people per booking Bookable from 24 October 2011 for travel between 7 May 2012 - 14 May 2012 Must be booked at least 1 day in advance of travel 50% off standard National Express fare Not available on special offers Tickets can only be purchased online or via the Customer Service Centre Standard booking & distribution fees apply Tickets are non refundable or amendable

The promotional code is BOURNE50.

This should be quoted on the phone or inserted into the relevant box on the website.

The website link is www.nationalexpress.com/coach/offers/discounts/promocodes.cfm

Customer Service centre telephone number 0121 452 8007.

Remember to quote the promotional code.

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The Chaplain writes

Memories are made of this One of the most important features of ex-Service associations is the keeping alive of memories. In Chichester Cathedral each year we welcome holders of the Italy Star, for their annual reunion and service, and former members of the Royal Sussex Regiment – now, alas, no more. In each case, and in gatherings of our own Nuclear Veterans, out come the photos, and the same old stories are told, usually losing nothing in the telling!

It is not easy for those of us who did not serve in the Armed Forces (I missed National Service by a year) to realise the bonds that are forged, in peacetime as well as war, by people who are drawn together in a common purpose, and who share the intensity and close comradeship of Service life. As an old song says, ‘Memories are made of this’, and I always enjoy listening to the stories which emerge when we meet, in Blackpool (or Bournemouth this year) for the Annual Meeting, or for Services of Remembrance and Rededication.

Jesus said to his disciples not long before his death, ‘I have called you friends’ – not servants but friends, who shared his company, knew his mind and would keep alive his message of hope and new life as they continued his work.

Another old song has the line, ‘What would we do in the world without friends?’

One of our members who is on his own now, told me, ‘I live for our reunions, I see my old pals and enjoy a pint or three and go home with a new set of memories to add to the old ones.’

Such comments help us to understand the great importance of Jesus’ words, for those of us who are called to carry on his saving work: ‘I have called you friends.’

With my very best wishes to all our members for a Happy Easter.

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Conference AGM 2012 Friday 4th May to Sunday 6th May, BNTVA Conference/AGM weekend at The Heathlands Hotel 12 Grove Road East Cliff Bournemouth BH1 3AY.

Reception at The Heathlands Hotel.

Have you booked your accommodation at The Heathlands?

Send your completed booking form to Lauren Iliff without delay.

Bookings only accepted on the official booking form.

During the whole weekend Charles Stewart the documentary film maker, will be carrying out film interviews with any veteran, veteran’s widow, or family members who wish to take part. Each participant will have a 5 minute slot. A private room in the hotel will be set aside for the filming to take place.

The completed film will be lodged in the film archive of the Imperial War Museum. There is also the possibility that an edited version will be used in a TV programme. The film will also be included on the DVD part of the Royal British Legion Education pack.

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Friday The weekend starts on Friday with most members arriving during the day.

An informal dinner and entertainment are planned for the evening.

Saturday Official Business part of the AGM commences at 11.00 hrs when all the reports and any decisions will be taken.

Light Lunch in the hotel at 13.00 hrs Conference restarts at 14.00 hrs.

Including guest speakers, films, and discussion, the afternoon session will finish at 16.00 hrs For those of you who took part in the Health Needs Audit last year, it will be your chance to meet the Researchers from Miles Green Associates again.

Members of the team will be speaking during the afternoon.

In the winter edition of ‘Campaign’ you will have read the article by Catherine Crawford from Edinburgh, who will be attending the conference. She will be taking small group sessions, featuring essential oils and diet, throughout the afternoon. These sessions are open to all, but with the ladies especially in mind.

The Gala Dinner is at 19.00 hrs for 19.30 hrs start.

The official guests will include The Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth, Dr Rebecca Miles, Ms Geraldine Mynors, Dr and Mrs Walter Busuttil and others yet to be confirmed.

Following the Gala Dinner last year representations were received from some members regarding the dress code. The dress code for the Gala Dinner this year will be Lounge suit, Blazer and grey trousers or Dinner jacket, black Tie. With evening wear for the ladies.

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My time at Maralinga Feb 1964 - Jun 1965 John Phillips DSC RE In 1962 whilst serving as a Sapper with 24 Fld Sqn RE in Rochester Kent I had volunteered for service at Maralinga. Having forgotten all about this, I received a posting order in December 1963 some 18 months later to be ready to move in February 1964! I was 21 years old.

Due to many flight delays I was kept back on rear party whilst my mates were in Bexhill-on-Sea building a concrete ramp for disabled access to the beach. After a few weeks I got fed up with doing nothing and requested that I join the lads in Bexhill. This was granted. Murphy’s Law dictated that within 2 days of me getting back with the lads I received a message saying my flight to Australia leaves Stanstead Airport in 6 hrs. Be there!

I was rushed back to camp where I scrounged a clean white shirt and hurriedly packed ready for the trip.

Muddy boots and all!!

In the departure shed / hut at Stanstead I met up with another Sapper who was going to Maralinga as a Plant Operator. Stanstead Airport was not like it is now. It still resembled a WW2 Airfield with Nissan huts everywhere. The 21 hour trip to Singapore via Calcutta went without incident and we arrived on Feb 4th (Chinese New Year). On arrival we were told that Qantas had gone on strike and we would have to wait in

Singapore until it was over. What a shame! We were based at Nee Soon Barracks and were used for general duties such as ration runs for the Gurkhas. This often meant chasing live chickens around the back of the Lorries we were using. Anyway to cut a long and exiting story short we eventually left Singapore for Perth.

On arrival at Perth Immigration, my rapid packing back in Blighty caught up with me. When my Army Suitcase was opened the first things to be seen – apart from my dirty washing - were the boots I had been wearing at Bexhill. They were still covered in mud from the construction site. I stood there very embarrassed whilst the Immigration Officer took them away to be cleaned, held in the air between his finger and thumb and in full view of all the other passengers.

After a night in barracks in Perth we were taken to the railway station to start out two day journey on the Indian Pacific Railway across the Nullabore Plain to Watson.

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At the Watson Road junction in 2006.

We were allocated a four bunk cabin for the journey and as we settled in two young ladies came in and sat on the bunks opposite. We couldn’t believe our luck. This was carrying Australian hospitality too far! Was there a mix up in the bookings?

Sadly it turned out that they were seeing their Australian Servicemen boyfriends off who were travelling to Adelaide. The train journey was a wonderful experience in itself. Even today I feel privileged to have been given a chance to experience such an adventure. So much so, in 2006 I took my wife on the same journey to Watson. However, that’s another story.

We arrived at Watson during late afternoon. So late in fact we were told that we would not be picked up until the next day.

Watson then consisted of a few buildings, one of which was kitted out with transit beds for such as us.

After a breakfast cooked by the Station Masters wife, we were picked up next day and taken the 26 miles to the Maralinga Camp. I shall never forget the sight as we got to the top of the rise shortly after the Watson / Camp / Forward Area Road junction.

That was my first sight of the camp.

The white gravel and the huts (Dongers) glistening in the sunlight.

The induction process included being issued with Australian Army equipment by the RAAF. This equipment included “the hat”. It also meant taking the range driving test, again by the RAAF Warrant Officer.

Once this had been done you were set to work.

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My job at Maralinga was as an Engine Fitter. I worked for the Engineering Branch and my place of work was in the Generator Park which was located next to the Oval Sports ground. My responsibilities, with one other were to repair, maintain and provide all the trailer mounted generators at Maralinga and supplying power when required in the Forward Area. This usually meant providing power for the decontamination trailers dotted around the test areas. This was a great job for a young man. I was basically my own boss and left to it as long as things went well. They usually did. My other responsibility was to carry out monthly checks on the underground monitoring equipment in the forward area to ensure that they were still in working order should they be required again. This part of my job was not so enjoyable.

I was worried about going into dark underground holes miles from anywhere and being bitten by a Red Back or something similar. We had no radios! Still a good “shufty” before going in usually reassured me.

In addition to my job as a fitter, I was often used by the RE Troop to help them build or maintain fences around the Dirty Areas. I was at Maralinga during the run-down phase of the tests and much of the work by the Royal Engineers was involved with the start of the “clean- up” of the range.

This often meant wearing white cotton all-in-one suits with respirators and going into contaminated areas to remove scrap cables and other debris ready for burial. This was hot, dirty and I suppose dangerous work. Even so, we used to hold a sweep stake on who would give the highest reading when entering the decontamination trailer. I recall that you would increase your “street cred” with the lads if you had to go through the showers more than once. Silly really! I also brought back “dirty vehicles” for disposal and burial. Nothing was to be returned to the UK. The social life was good too. The beer was cheap and I remember the popular Barossa Peal wine we drank by the jug full. There was a regular showing of films at the cinema after which many men collected the empty beer / pop bottles to take back for the pennies they would receive for each.

Maralinga cinema.

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RE’s sitting outside a donga after work with Chloe the dog in 1964.

The same place and pose in April 2006.

The food was out-of-this world.

It was very common to have crayfish and prawns on the menu. The steaks they gave you to cook on an open fire out in the bush when in the Forward Area were huge.

I also have fond memories of my weekend trips to the Power Station after a few beers for a midnight fry up or egg “banjo”. Not surprisingly, I put on two stone during the time I was there. The swimming pool was popular and I remember representing England at tennis too.

The RE’s were responsible for Chloe and her two pups Surfee and Blackie whilst I was there. Each morning Chloe would “select” a companion for the day and follow them to work.

This often meant getting into the vehicle that had been signed out at the MT Pool. She often followed me on my 1 mile walk down to the “Genny” Park. Chloe dropped dead suddenly in 1965 whilst travelling with me on the bench seat of a Land Rover. She was buried in the camp area pet cemetery.

Many of us had an Avery. Mine was made out of a huge engine packing case with mesh on one side. It was located outside my donger. I kept about 20 parakeets and budgies but others had galahs. Cruel really but that was what you did. Many looked after dogs which were passed to others as their “owners” were posted out.

We were able to get into Adelaide for a long weekend, once every 5 weeks.

That’s if you were able to get a seat on the DC3 that flew there twice a week.

It was 6 months before I decided to go and I had such a great time, I went every opportunity after that!

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As engine fitters (mechanics) we were included in recreational trips off the range or “Swans” as they were called.

From memory they went to Coober Pedy, Fowlers Bay, Emu, Ceduna and Alice Springs. These lasted up to 7 days and were a great opportunity to see other areas of Australia.

I enjoyed myself so much at Maralinga that I requested another year which was granted. However, because of the “close down”, my extra time was reduced and I returned

home in mid June 1965 this time via Darwin and Singapore I had been posted to the RE Bomb Disposal Unit.

The rest as they say is history!

I returned to Maralinga in April 2006 with my wife Christine. We had a great 3 days at Maralinga but that’s another story.

John Phillips Royal Engineers Maralinga 1964 - 65

Grand Raffle and Tombola

2012 Conference and AGM Bournemouth During the Conference AGM meeting, the usual raffle will take the form of a Tombola to give equal chances to all to win the top prizes.

Please bring along your unwanted gifts and prize donations. During the Gala Dinner the evening Grand Raffle will have high value prizes and will be drawn by the Mayor of Bournemouth.

The prizes will include •

• • • •

A weekend for two at the Heathlands Hotel from Britannia Hotels A case of vintage wine A bottle Glengoyne 10yr old single malt Prizes from top retailers And many other high value prizes.

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Have you all stopped gardening?

At last year’s AGM Conference I announced the BNTVA’s participation in the Suttons Seeds Charity Fundraising Scheme. Orders are placed at normal catalogue prices and at the same time it supports the BNTVA. This was greeted with enthusiasm at the AGM Conference, but unfortunately not by orders.

So far, only 4 catalogues have been requested and 3 orders placed.

These orders from 2 people, both of whom are Trustees.

This scheme helps to raise funds for charity by allowing orders for Sutton’s products to be placed via a Registered Charity, in our case the BNTVA. You pay the same catalogue price as normal but with reduced P&P and the BNTVA receives 20% of the order values placed.

HAVE YOU ALL STOPPED GARDENING? Is this the reason why the box of catalogues remains full?

Please request a catalogue via the central address, telephone number, or email vice-chairman@bntva.com Jeff Liddiatt.

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Become a Trustee – Have you got what we need?

After main events like NAVAD and the Annual Conference we often get people coming up to us saying “I would like to get more involved”, “I want to do something” or “I’m going to get active...” This is great and I’m sure the individuals genuinely mean to ‘get involved’ at that moment, then they return home and we never hear anything from them again.

This is a sad situation because there are many opportunities for people to become involved at the BNTVA. We have some exciting projects just waiting for the right person to get behind them, this is in addition to the many tasks required to run the organisation, planning and preparing for all the coming years major events.

A number of our current Trustees are due to retire shortly, this will leave a big hole in the organisation. We need people to come forward and offer their time, people to get involved, people to run projects, come up with new ideas, new directions. People who want to do something.

The person we are looking for may not necessarily be you, it could be your Son, Daughter or even Grandchild.

Do they want to do something more with their lives, something that can be challenging, demanding and ultimately rewarding?

Currently we are looking for people to cover the following functions; a Shop Manager, Product Dispatch Controller, Secretary, Event Co-ordinator.

Most of our Trustees give the equivalent of 16 hours a month to the Association but some roles are far more time intrusive. The Secretaries post was almost a full time occupation however, through delegation of tasks and restructuring workflow we have reduced this to almost an evening a week. The division of tasks amongst a number of Trustees is something we are keen to increase, it yields many benefits to the organisation and makes “Getting Involved” much easier.

I also want to dispel the myth that you need to be a Nuclear Test Veteran to be a Trustee. Our current board is almost 50/50 and also contains around the same number of young Trustees as Veterans.

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Representatives of specialist groups will always welcomed as Trustees, their specialism is their experience.

We are hoping to attract Veterans from the different generations of service personnel who have worked with or alongside atomic material along with people who have specialist skills in all areas of our functional activities.

We are now well along the course we embarked upon almost three years ago.

The route to the survival of the organisation. The route to creating something bigger, something which will endure. To achieve those final goals we need your help, we need you to “GET INVOLVED” For more information on becoming a BNTVA Trustee – write to the Chairman at our central address or email chairman@bntva.com

New BNTVA Trustees To maintain a representative number of veterans to non-veteran members of the Board of Trustees, we have a vacancy for a veteran member. New trustee volunteers are invited to apply and veteran members will be accorded priority.

If you feel you wish to become a trustee and have something to offer the BNTVA then please request an application package from the Chairman, Nigel Heaps.

All applications will be considered fully and fairly by the Board of Trustees.

Please remember that in 2013 all the trustees appointed when the Association became Charity will step down.

Some of these trustees will be retiring from the board permanently.

The time is NOW for new trustees to step forward so, if you are interested or you think you know someone who would make a good trustee please contact the Chairman.

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BNTVA New Contact Details 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 25DFA01C

National Vice Chairman Jeff Liddiatt

Registered Charity Number 1131134

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

Trustee Derek Heaps Email derek.heaps@gmail.com

Trustee Bob Smith

Email vice-chairman@bntva.com Tel: 0780 7268041 Blackberry message ID 25F9CC08

VACANT

National Secretary Vacant

National Treasurer Carol Longdon

Chaplain The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling BA, LLD

London Events Organiser & Trustee Don James

Dean of Chichester Email dean@chichestercatherdral.org.uk

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Trustee Ian Greenhalgh LLB

NEW Trustee Lisa Bainbridge

Email ian.greenhalgh@greenhalghs.net

Trustee Trevor Butler

NEW Trustee Stephen Evans

Archive Administrator & Trustee Doug Hern

New Trustee Fred Stellard

Email hernie36@gmail.com

New Trustee Ian Hall

New Trustee Steve Bexon Email editor@bntva.com

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Memories of Christmas Island & Maralinga The Picture above shows me on Christmas Island with a dog called Pooch. My unit was 71 Field Squadron, 28 Field Engineer Regiment based in Wiltshire, we left England for Christmas Island on a Troop Ship going via Kingston Jamaica, Dutch East Indies and the Panama Canal, we arrived at Christmas Island on 8th August 1956, and were joined by 55 Field Squadron from Korea.

Main Camp tent lines after the rain.

Keith, John, Pat Coyne, Pete Dixon.

We were accommodated in tents.

The picture shows the tent lines after a rain burst and the other shows some of the guys I worked with.

Our tasks were various but I remember laying concrete for the runway and perimeter areas and building sites, digging, assisting in erecting poles, putting up buildings.

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HMS Warrior pier 39 Honolulu

Overhead lines gang truck and trailer

We used to have away sessions on other parts of the Island for fishing or just getting away from the job.

Tasks included: Wiring the new Cookhouse and providing lighting in various offices around the Main and Airfield camps. Erecting overhead power cables, our working gang using the equipment as shown in the attached pictures. Operating and maintaining the generators at the Airfield Power Station.

On one occasion we travelled to Honolulu by HMS Warrior for a short break.

Being single I was asked ‘to stay’ until handover and left the Island on 29 September 1957. On return to the UK I went on courses and then I was posted to 24 Field Squadron 36 Field Engineer Regiment based in Germany who moved to Maidstone in Kent.

This time we flew on a BOAC Stratocrusier via Reykjavik Iceland, New York (Stayed 2 days in a Hotel) then onto San Francisco and arrived on Christmas Island on the 9th December 1958.

At one stage after a bomb drop, I was duty electrician, I had to enter the plane wash down area (the plane had gone through the cloud to pick up samples) to repair a damaged fuse box and I remember the precaution taken by having to change into an all white suit with rubber boots, gloves, etc and carry out the repair, then having to shower twice after being checked by a Geiger counter, before I was allowed to leave and change back into my normal clothes.

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The train stopped at all stations along the Nullabor Plain, until we got to the Maralinga stop.

Our tasks were various but I remember laying a foundation for an aerial, stripping down old observation posts. Other tasks included marking ‘Concrete Coffins’ with bronze plaques and fencing in the ‘hot area’, all of 26 miles temperatures ranged from 50ºF in winter to 125ºF in Summer, we could be called the mad Englishmen in the midday sun.

Overheadline Gang Alan Geordie A Keith Cleeve Geordie L Roso.

We had R&R in Honolulu, travelling up by RAF Hastings and staying at one of the YMCAs. On return to the UK in December 1959 and after a short tour in East Africa on Flood relief I was then posted to Maralinga in January 1963, travelled with a party by plane via Singapore then onto Perth. Stayed in an Australian Army Barracks near Perth for a short while because of a rail strike.

Travelled by train to Kalgoorlie, which is famous for its opal and it was here I was introduced to a breakfast of Steak and Eggs, we then changed railway companies (each state had its own rail gauge) onto a ½ mile long freight train, we were in the almost last coach.

However, I did enjoy a holiday of travelling by plane and staying in Hotels around Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney and visiting the Great Australian Bight and left in November 1963, the same month as JFK was shot.

I must apologise for not being more specific in some of the activities and not mentioning names but I suspect that I would get them all mixed up.

The attached pictures may bring back memories.

Mike Barry Corps of Royal Engineers

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Peter Fletcher I first met Peter Fletcher an Ex Chepstow boy soldier in 1951when like so many regular and National servicemen we formed 71 Fld Squadron in Abergavenny South Wales.

This Squadron was to be (although at the time we didn’t know it) the guinea pigs for the first Atomic bomb test on a remote set of desolate Islands off the North West coast of Western Australia. The Monte Bello Islands, Forever etched in my memory.

On returning to England we were sent to Kingshill Camp in Hoo Saint Wereberg on the Isle of grain. But not for long as we were all split up and went to different units and scattered to the four winds.

I didn’t meet up with Peter again until September 1986 when he came out to Perth WA with Frank Gray, both were involved in the BNTVA and they wanted to visit Monte Bello Islands, Woomera and Maralinga all with in ten days. It dawned on them that Australia is a vast country and to get to Onslow north west of Perth was a five day drive then a boat trip to MB. Due to time constraints we held a commemoration service at the War Memorial in Kings Park overlooking the beautiful Swan River. Wreathes

were laid for all people who had perished in the nuclear holocaust of past conflicts, for the Aboriginal nations that had suffered the effects of radiation and told of the dire consequences.

It was in 1987 that Peter as a representative of the BNTVA arrived on my doorstep on October 1st with plane tickets to Karratha in the north and a trip to Barrow Island then onto Monte Bello on the 3rd October for the first commemorative at the Islands.

All this due to Peter’s persistence and patience organising the trip, going back after so long had a profound effect on both of us and we said we must make it back to Monte B again, this happened in 1991 Peter and a friend Chris Rowlands arrived on the last day of September and again Pete had arranged everything with WAPET OIL who ran Barrow Island.

They flew out of Perth on the 2nd October and were in and on the Monte Bello Islands (by Chopper courtesy

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of Bell Helicopters contracted to WAPET) at 8.30am to once again hold a service in remembrance of the 39th anniversary of the first test and then fly to Onslow for a dedication service at the graveside of Spr Frank Furlong who died on October 13th 1952. Peter had fought and won funds from the British Legion to maintain the grave for ten years.

It was to be the last time I was to see Peter in Australia.

Having taken on the Chairmanship of BNTVA he worked hard and long for the cause and the association and we corresponded regularly. Peter’s health was failing but he never gave up fighting for the cause to better the lives of our members who have suffered so much from the ravages of nuclear radiation. It was in 1996 that I met Peter for the last time at his home in St Helens.

I was shocked at his frailty as his body slowly and painfully succumbed to his sickness. He asked for my word and a promise that I would go back to the Monte Bello Islands again.

This was solemnly given and I made it back to the Islands for the 50th anniversary and at 8.30am on October 3rd I stepped ashore with the British Standard. Afterwards I phone Peter to let him know we had done it.

Peter Fletcher was a tireless hard working man, as he saw the awful effects that radiation did to the human body and committed himself to trying to right the wrongs done to us, the serviceman who through no fault of their own were sent into radiated areas without a thought for them by the government.

There are many others who also worked as hard but this is my story about Peter Fletcher, Soldier, boxer, loyal friend who never gave up the fight for others.

Ron Knight Perth Western Australia March 21st 2012

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Bob Smith Bob is standing down as a trustee at the AGM/ Conference this year, after serving the BNTVA for many years, both on the old Executive Committee, and as a trustee since the BNTVA became a Registered Charity.

He will be remembered by most people as the Membership Secretary, a post he held until May 2011. The present Membership Database is down to Bob and his work with all the members, making sure that the details the Association holds is up to date and complete. His expertise will be missed, because when any question comes up about membership, a name, or address, Bob had the answer.

Bob’s service to the Association not only covered the membership, but also he has been the main supporter for the setting up of the Memorial at The National Arboretum Alrewas. His work, both with the NMA and the Board of Trustees has been outstanding and he will be greatly missed.

Bob had one of the farthest distances to travel to meetings, but he attended without fail. His support for the other trustees has been given without question and has been appreciated by all.

One last request to all: Please remember that Bob will not be taking any phone calls or answering letters. All membership matters should be referred to the central address or telephone number as set out below.

BNTVA BM5657 London WC1N 3XX 0208 144 3080

Motions for discussion at the AGM Motions for discussion at the AGM must be received at the BNTVA central address 21 days before the AGM meeting date. Any motion must be signed by the proposer and the seconder, who should both endorse with their membership numbers, both persons must be full members of the Association. The proposer must be in the AGM meeting room to speak in support of the motion, or the proposal will not be put to the meeting.

All motions will be considered for discussion by the AGM in accord with the rules of debate.

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680221 S.A.C. White D.E Rough history relating to my case.

22nd June 1962, married whilst at RAF Upavon July 1962 PWR posted to RAF Christmas Island At some later stage, I became the official projectionist for the Officers Mess, (due to my previous experience as a young man & at RAF St Athan).

Approximately 2000 hrs Sunday 16/10 /62, the bas commander arrived, all present stood, but instead of the usual “please be seated gentlemen” he announced that: “We are tonight celebrating an addition, on the 15 of October our projectionist became a father, due to the date line, he will get the signal tomorrow, you may now, if you wish, purchase a celebratory drink, projectionist, you may now commence with the film” I left the mess at around 0300 hrs, not sober!

Life continued as normal, I had a part-time pastime with the Island’s radio station C.I.B.S. (Christmas Island Broadcasting Service). I and fellow servicemen went “exploring” on the Island, in our off-duty periods we used to loan a Jeep from M.T. On occasions we visited the old “Ground Zero” site at Spal Village (South

Pacific Airlines) site. Everything was falling apart and grotty, we thought no more about it. Signs were falling off the wire fencing, the only life were the landcrabs, buildings were decrepit.

We found odd bits that would make life easier in our billet, so we took them with us.

Some time later, I developed blisters on my hands, reported sick, given cream etc and a gauze sleeve, then confined to duties in the Air Conditioned Studio at C.I.B.S. Eventually I was told that it was dermatitis and was casevact to RAF Halton from where I went on “sick leave”.

Having been away from my wife for most of our married life, the inevitable happened, our son was born 08/09/64, ten years to the day since I joined the service.

As time/life progressed, our son grew up reasonably normal, but he had a frightening habit of suddenly stopping breathing. After a few panic sessions it was suggested that, when it happens, drop him in a bath of “cold water”, the shock should start things going again, it worked.

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A few years down the line he became listless, a total lack of energy/interest to the point of his mother phoning the doctor on a Sunday evening, she could “see through his skin”. Fortunately the locum doctor was well switched on, grabbed the phone and within minutes, Richard (son), was on his way to Horton General Hospital, Banbury. Blood Transfusions were immediately started . I was contacted on the Monday, (we were separated), I spoke with the collator, who in reply to my question “how is he?” said, If he’s still here Wednesday, then he has a chance”.

Over time we went through a difficult period, the worst was on his 18th birthday. The family were at the Royal Marsden Hospital, Surrey for marrow tests, no complete match, results: - he may go blind, he will be sterile, 50% chance of survival.

We did not go for a birthday drink, not that night.

Due to the wonders of medical science, an autograft was performed, at the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead. This involved taking his own marrow, cleaning it electronically, and re-inserting it, this avoided rejection.

Since then, apart from a few scares, he is now fit and a reasonably healthy businessman, but has to keep looking over his shoulder.

His eyes after 2 operations are both working. Despite numerous rebuttals, I cannot get to grips with the facts that, 1 we had a daughter in 1962, no problems 2 we had a son, conceived on my immediate return from Christmas Island - lukemia 3 we had another daughter in 1968, no problem Maybe the “powers that be” can explain this?

I was discharged from the service 25/01/1964, as medically unfit for duties, with a 14-16% pension of £300.00, final sum.

On my medical records F.Med 4 it was stated” we have a singularly accident prone young man, who is at least an economic liability now he is unfit for duties of his trade”.

This was signed by Wing Commander A M Kingdon, senior specialist in medicine, RAF Hospital Wroughton.

26/11/1963.

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Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade Every year in May/June there are three Trooping the Colour parades:

The Major General’s Review

This is the first rehearsal for the parade and takes place on the Saturday two weeks before the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

The Colonel’s Review

This is the second rehearsal and takes place on the Saturday one week before the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

The Queens Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade This is the actual parade.

Major General George Norton CBE Major General Commanding the Household Division and General Officer Commanding London District, will take the salute at The Major General’s Review on Saturday 2nd June 2012. Tickets must be obtained for seats.

The BNTVA have 10 tickets for The Major General’s Review on Saturday 2nd June 2012. If you would like to attend this impressive and memorable event please contact Jeff Liddiatt either on 0208 144 3080 or email vice-chairman@bntva.com

CAMPAIGN Spring 2012 | 27

Thank you from The Queen

28 | CAMPAIGN Spring 2012

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

£3.00 £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

Band 4 Item Tankard Glass

£20.00

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

CAMPAIGN Spring 2012 | 29

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

By using the BACS system take your cheque or cash into any HSBC branch make out the paying in slip with the following details:

PayPal payment to: secretary@bntva.com

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

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.

30 | CAMPAIGN Spring 2012

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

Editor: Steve Bexon.

Next issue copy Deadline 30th June 2012.

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 2011-11-22 Copies of the 2011 RBL Education Pack are available.

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

Single Travellers!

We understand that the decision to travel alone can be a tough one to make.

Our small group escorted holidays are fully geared to the needs of mature single travellers.

We escort groups to: Europe, Russia,Thailand & China

left on your own (unless you so choose) • Never No single supplement or room sharing • Experienced Tour Managers • Many excursions • From £649 inc. included • “Having told friends and family that China was going to be my last holiday I am now saving my pennies for the next one.

With One Traveller of course” Grace B China Holiday

for our latest brochure contact Ian Darkin (son of Bob Darkin, TBU Grapple Z)

0844 8005053 (BT 5p/min)

or visit www.onetraveller.co.uk ONE TRAVELLER Ltd., Thetford, Norfolk IP25 7DE

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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