Campaign December 2006

Chaplain’s Christinas Message

CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL,

God with us... time together. Somewhere in the middle of it all, can we make time for the most important Family of all? Can we, as the Christmas prayer says, ‘go in heart and mind even unto Bethlehem, to see this thing which has come to pass’?

One of the highlights of my year was the Dedication Ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum on 24lh June. Those who have been able to go to Staffordshire to see the place, will know what a moving experience that can be: so many causes to remember - such sad individual stories.

The essence of the Christmas story, and the heart of our Christian faith, is ‘God with us’: God taking human form in Jesus, to feel our sadness and to share our gladness. So, this Christmas, try to make time to ‘hear again the message of the angels’, and to pray for ‘this old and weary world’.

Not for the first time I felt a sense of‘family’ in our association. As the Memorial was dedicated, there were prayers, tears, silence, memories, pride, anger, all mixed together; much like a normal family. And afterwards there was shared food, laughter, reminiscences, good conversation.

It certainly was a special day, and the Memorial will be a source of inspiration for many years to come.

I

'

I

May I wish all members of the BNTVA family, and your own families, a happy Christmas, with my prayer that 2007 will bring good news for us all.

This is the time of year, as every parent and grandparent know, Chichester when ‘family’ is to the fore: tree, toys, trinkets and, for the fortunate,

3

Nicholas Frayling

Lest We Forget Tell me, how can we wear our poppies with pride When we’ve so badly failed the brave men who died They all gave their lives to set the world free To make it a safe place for you and for me Let’s imagine a soldier came back down to earth To see what giving his life had been worth Just try to imagine as he landed below As he looked round the country he knew long ago The beautiful country he fought hard to save He thought it was worth the young life he gave He sees prisons full, old people worn and sad Youngsters all noisy, unhappy and bad Shop windows all boarded with locks on them too The streets are all empty, no children in view The air all polluted with gas from the cars With most of the young men locked behind bars The green parks we played in are empty and dull When he was a child they were always so full His eyes see no beauty, no laughter or joy Boys standing bored, no one can employ He gazed at the house where he lived long ago His family all gone, the windows don’t glow His eyes looked above he cried “Lord take me home, There’s nothing left here of the life I had known” With tears in his eyes the lad looked round once more And whispered “Are these the reasons 1 gave my life for”

Jo Aspland

4

ATOMIC VETERANS LITIGATION BULLETIN Since our last bulletin we arc pleased to report that we have been able to make significant progress in the prosecution of the litigation. At the beginning of August we had a very useful telephone conference with the New Zealand expert. The information which we were given was very heartening and whilst we do not propose to divulge what was said for very obvious reasons, we are sure you can understand given the history of this litigation. Suffice to say that we are sure we can proceed with confidence. This belief has only been reinforced by our discussions with Counsel at a major conference that took place earlier this month.

Despite this, there is one issue that is of major concern to us. Unfortunately we have only received a very small proportion of file transfer forms. These forms are absolutely necessary, in order to obtain the questionnaires and files from the solicitors formerly in charge of this litigation, and help us prosecute the action on your behalf. Worryingly, out of 454 former Clarke Willmott clients only 102 of you have returned your forms or files.

It is vital that we receive the files as soon as possible and we urge those of you who have not done so already to complete and return your file transfer forms or, if you have them, the files themselves to us as a matter of urgency. By signing the file transfer forms you don’t put yourself at risk for incurring any costs of either Rosenblatt or the MOD. Even if you do not wish to continue as a Claimant please sign and return the transfer form because the evidence that you could give may be of considerable significance in helping the other Veterans.

We fully appreciate from the information given to us that many of you feel seri­ ously let down by the way your former solicitors have conducted themselves but please do not deny yourselves the chance of receiving the compensation that you so richly deserve and have fought for over the decades.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN YOUR FORM.

If you have mislaid the file transfer letter we have printed one in the centre of the magazine Rachel Roberts Rosenblatt Solicitors 9-13 St Andrew Street London EC4A 3AF 5

wm

Christmas Island Broadcasting Service

Christmas Airways HQ

RAF Transport Command Hastings with movements staff Christmas Island

Maurice Green REME served on Christmas Island during Operation Grapple. His son would like to get in touch with anyone who remembers Maurice. Contact via the editor.

[

Landing Craft being swung inboard To HMS Narvik

Full crew on the site of the tower on Trimouille Island Cyril Roberts in this crew 7

cannot function. We have fought long and hard over many years to obtain recognition of the rights of Nuclear Tests Veterans; with I, admit limited success.

However, if the veterans themselves are not going to support the cause, you must expect the Ministry of Defence to win by default!

Chairman’s report I moved house on the 6th June, and am confident that you are all aware of the amount of work that ensues once this has been accomplished. However, you may be assured that the Associations’s business did not suffer, mainly through the good offices of the remainder of your executive committee who have shouldered much of my responsibilities over the last few months. I offer my grateful thanks for their assistance.

There is of course some discontent because we have not been in a position to publish last years audited accounts. It was most unfortunate that two treasurers died within a few months of each other, and The Association’s constitution requires their replacement was taken seriously ill that your Executive committee meet at least twice in each year in order to review anc* *lac*10 ret*re fr°m {^c Post* Doug progress, and a meeting was held in Leeds ^em* anc* ^aro* Longden (the present on the 29th October. A report on the treasurer), arc doing their utmost to meting appears on another page in the rectifV the situation, to ensure that the magazine. This was a somewhat inlormation is available for the next edition of “Campaign”. protracted meeting, not only was there a large amount of business for discussion which required decisions to be made, but We are advised that now may be the time we also had a briefing from David Harris, to push for a government enquiry into the health of our offspring, and you will see on the present position regarding the that we are requesting up-to-date litigation which some of you arc taking information to help our supportive MPs in against the MoD. fighting for this. We have little You will appreciate that The Association information regarding the numbers of descendants, or even if they are interested cannot instruct solicitors on your behalf, in our pushing for an inquiry into their and can only act as a channel of state of health. We are therefore communication, allowing them to requesting all descendants to declare their communicate without adding to the interest, and to register their names and burden of cost. Once again we have addresses with Martin Blackburn. They offered the facility to re-produce in will not become a member of anything.

“Campaign” the notice which they wish to bring to the attention of all involved in They will not be asked to pay any fees. It is simply so that we know that we are the action. undertaking the correct course of action.

The future of this Association is in your I was most disturbed to learn, from the hands, not those of the Executive Membership Secretary's report, of the Committee, and only you can ensure it’s fall-off in the payment of subscriptions long term future. for this year 2006. Ten pounds is not a

great deal of money to pay, but without the necessary funds the Association

John Lowe 8

Ministry of Defence Improved access to information A letter has been received from the MOD telling us of the new arrangements for access to personal information.

Following a decision by the European Court of Human Rights, we have implemented a Special Subject Access Request (SSAR) procedure for individuals who are concerned about any potentially hazardous exposure they may have experienced during their military service or civilian employment with the MOD. The SSAR procedure involves completing a form and submitting, it together with proof of identity, to the address on the form. The form is available to downloadfrom the MOD website: applicants should select the Contact us tab on the MOD Internet site located at http://www. mod. uk/defenceinternet/home.

If any of our members wish apply in writing they can contact the MoD for a paper copy of the form to Jill out.

Please note that applications for personal data excluding hazardous exposure element should continue to be made on the existing form (DPA SAR form 1694) David Wray OBE Director of Information (Exploitation) October 2006

20 years ago!

Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

out of control, creating explosions and a fireball, which blew off the reactor's ]ieavy steej ancj C0nCrete lid.

In 1986 the World's worst nuclear power accident occurred at Chernobyl in the former USSR (now Ukraine).

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant located 80 miles north of Kiev had 4 reactors and whilst testing reactor number 4 numerous safety procedures were disregarded. At 1:23 am the chain reaction in the reactor became

The Chernobyl accident killed more than 30 people immediately, and as a result of the high radiation levels in the surrounding 20-mile radius, 135,00 people had to be evacuated.

BBC News 9

Has our children's health been affected bv our participation at Britain’s Nuclear Tests Programme

piece of paper. The information required is as follows:1 Full name 2. Date of birth 3. Date of death (if relevant) and The Executive believes that the cause of death time is long overdue for attention 4. Any health problems suffered to be paid to the plight of our which you attribute to fathers or children and grandchildren. The grandfathers exposure to radiation matter has been sadly neglected as, or chemical agents. (We are not in the past, it was claimed that interested in childhood illnesses there was little point in pursuing such as measles, chickenpox etc.) the rights of our children until the I would be grateful if you would case for the recognition of the send in your children’s detail even veterans themselves was attained. if you consider that they have suffered no ill effects , as this will help give a balanced picture.

It is however possible that the It is obvious that what is required opposite is tine, and that by is a properly constructed health obtaining recognition that our study commissioned by the children have suffered as a result government. To achieve this The of their fathers exposure to Association has MPs willing to radiation and chemical agents it raise questions in the house, but may be admitted that the men there is little point until we are in a themselves have been affected. position to prove our case.

It is realised that, for various reasons, you have filled in numerous forms in the past, but if Please, send off these details we are to kick-start this campaign, without delay in order that we are it is essential that we have as much in a position to compile our information as possible, and that it statistics before the end of the year. is up-to-date. If not we will be Please send them to me like an Aunt Sally with the Martin Blackburn government seeking to knock us Children’s Representative down at every opportunity.

57 Princes Avenue We are not producing a form this time. It will be far simpler if you Astlev Tyldesley Manchester list the information on a A4 sized M29 7BZ 10

News from Christmas Island One of our Ex members Robert Griffiths has sent in a report of his visit to KIRITIMAI or Christmas Island in June this year. Robert writes Dear Members Just thought I would write to you and enclose some photos of interest on my recent return to Christmas Island or KIRITIMAI After forty seven years a chance came up to revisit the island. 1 found out that Air Pacific does a weekly flight from Nadi Fiji to Hawaii with a stop over on Christmas Island. The return flight is a week later.

One photo I enclose is of the terminal building at the airport, using our old airfield. By the way my suitcase went on walkabout so I spent the week with only hand baggage and what I could buy in the only store - a couple of tee shirts and a pair of shorts.

I stayed in the Captain Cook Hotel in Main Camp . The hotel did not have any communication with the outside world.

You had to travel to London to make a phone call, a thirty minute drive by lorry.

toppled over and became entwined in the ships rigging, the ship sailed into deep water and the crane was cut free. No more work on the dockside from then on, until, the replacement crane arrives.

Another photo is of the plaque left on Aeon Airfield down near the south east point of the island. Getting down there was an adventure, the road was not bad but you hope you do not breakdown no AA or RAC to come to your aid.

One thing that did sadden me was, when looking around the remains of the camp I came to the remains of the Church, I found the stone which was inscribed “ This stone was laid 12th September 1958 by Rcvd E G Alsop RAF on completion of this Church”.

Most of the guests staying at the Captain Cook Hotel when I was there came for the fishing. Flying down from Hawaii for the week, or from Australia via Fiji.

I did leave a memento on the dining room notice board, a photocopy of the front page of the Mid Pacific News welcoming 36 CER to Christmas Island December 1958. Any ex Christmas Island veterans While I was at the hotel I made friends with some Americans involved with the visiting the island please sign the paper. I clean up of the island. Not much left now have started the list with my name. just some piles of scrap metal. There are a number of drums of Bitumen left for I hope the photographs and the letter are use on the roads, if only they can find a of some interest to any ex Christmas way of heating the bitumen up!

Islanders.

A major event took place while I was on the island. The crane on the dockside used for loading the ships with the scrap

Robert Griffiths Ex Sapper RE 3 Troop 57 Field Sqdn 36 CER 11

Robert Griffiths sitting amongst the Ruins of Christinas Island Church 12

Veterans Badge Following inquiries made at the recent Christmas Island reunion about the Veterans Badge, we have been asked to publish details of how you can obtain one.

Officer in Charge Veterans Agency Norcross Blackpool FY5 3WP Free phone number 0800 169 2277 Available 08.00 to 16.00 each weekday Or on the veterans agency web site http://www.veteransagency.mod. uk 13

Letters to the Editor

always provides stimulus to a slightly failing memory!

Hi Jeff Its been a while since I was in touch with you, with something for the Mag. Can anybody tell me who composed the letter Tom Watson MP had in the Mag, it certainly wasn't him, probably some high flying Civil Servant. I would like to point out one item in it, the Health Physics changing rooms as he called them was the old Decontamination Unit at the airfield which was little more than a tin hut fitted out with showers and also a boiler room for hot water and I was responsible for the maintenance of this unit. I didn't have a Dosimeter or protective clothing while in the building. Considering that there was probably hundreds of Sendee and AWRE personnel who were contaminated that used these facilities where docs that leave me?. He also says that large numbers of men were required to construct the infrastructure for the Tests.

I would not argue with that, but why weren't the construction personnel removed from the Island before the Tests?

They were not necessary while the Tests, were conducted and as for them being in a safe area, did the explosion miss out a 15 degree gap at the Port where they all were?

Best Wishes Denis Shaw

The September issue, received today, had a particularly interesting item - the pictures that speak a thousand words.

Having been afloat during the first four Grapple tests it was remarkable to see the aerial view of the encampment and the enormous size of the Junior Ranks dining hall. Our runs ashore seemed to be limited to a Cook's tour of the site nearest the second series of tests and we seemed to focus all our attention on watery activities - aPart from the occasional sports contests with those on the island.

Dear Jeff

Remembering arrival at Christmas Island in the rain and being able to detect it by radar only from the echoes of moored ships (the island was too low lying to show up) the aerial picture on page 6 was graphic. Page 8 had the one and only naval picture - of a Loch Class frigate. A closer look with a shaky magnifying glass made the ship's side identification look like F625. If that is correct she is the vessel in which I was serving whilst we were doing meteorological tracking, photo­ graphic and acoustic under-water record ings 0f the explosions. However, she certainly isn't HMS. Narvik which was a Tank Landing Ship, classified in the early 1950's as an LST(C) [what the "C" indicates is guesswork - possibly "Craft" as she is pictured loaded with small landing craft, and looks rather like a large steam powered barge with the usual bow doors for unloading armoured vehicles etc.

I still have a copy of the 15th May 1957 Living in SW Ireland makes frequent contact with others who had experience in 'Mid Pacific News" which describes the successful first test and some of the the Christmas Island operations as personalities and events. In this the infrequent as visits to that part of the "Narvik" is designated the "Scientific Pacific! So, the arrival of "Campaign" Control Ship". Visits to "Narvik", to my recollection, were very restricted and the 14

Dear Jeff Welcome back. It seems ages since I last wrote to you when 1 was secretary of the Portsmouth branch.

We still meet once a month at the ex-servicemen’s club on Fratton Road, as independent BNTVA members. Roy Greenaway is our Standard bearer and he has be­ come our link with Portsmouth Council and British Legion

Mike Olney-Smith writes I am writing to thank you for a splendid ceremony at The National Memorial Arboretum .

The Ceremony was full of dignity and warmth. Our Chaplain was most excellent and those who spoke with him not fore getting our Chairman John Lowe.

I was in the RAF police SIB on 1 enclose an up-to-date photo of us Christmas Island in 58 and I won­ der if any if my old colleagues are all. members?

Norman Aplin

____l rA______ i.

T\X/onn/'L'

MAfh? Tin

g ’5

a

73 >.

E

c

"O

o

U-.

O

—»

"5

o CL

00

CJ

£ <p to

a < </> Q ro

o

7 2 I

O

ON ~

^ £

•2 — •!

3 o

CO 3

o

00

2

11 x) >, c E o O

DC

o bO

70

C

2 S 2 "0 C H

#o 73

CJ

U

CO

To c o

3 3

o

>■»

pD

2 a> CO 'J

CL 3

CL CO

73

a o

C/D

2 ^ o 3 -0 C 70 >. cO 0 o N >

*C o o -9 3 -3

3

.3

70

a

2

>

o

73

C/3

CO -G

3 C

to 2 0 .3

O

•c/5 3

Q

CO 3 3

O 3

O

2©

& 3

O ^

> .2 E

o

CO

O

p ul 3 3

<

m

©

O < >*» 7f CO O

<

< LL)

<D CJ

a 2 'S'.

C/3 73

<0 o *- 00

c2

—* _Er* 3 co ^ JD .2 c QJ 70

CO

0 2 O

0 7 < 2

I

3

c

cr —

I

.2

O

3

CO

c/D

n

>, O

'2

o

o

0

3

.3 CO

CO

CO

E

3

3

o

>

impression was that those on board had a hot and sweaty life with a lot of nose-tothe-grindstonc activity.

The vessel pictured on P.8, if F625 is her correct number, is H.M.N.Z.S. Rotoiti, one of the two New Zealand frigates which were part of the Grapple Squadron.

I believe that H.M.N.Z.S. Pukaki was the other, if indeed there was a second.

Pukaki's number was F424 back in 1953 and probably didn't change. The alternative name questioned below the photograph, HMS. Davenport, is a name that rings no bells and I haven't been able to track down any such R.N. ship. But who knows? New Zealand bought six Loch Class frigates from the U.K. in 1948 and named them after NZ lakes. The departure of Rotoiti from Christmas Island must have been about December 1957, after the second series of tests, as in October 1958 she was part of the Commonwealth frigate squadron on the Far East Station. Three of my most enjoyable years in the R.N. were on exchange in the R.N.Z.N. during which the Rotoiti covered a great deal of water!!

Best wishes in your re-assumed role as Editor. The recent copy is very readable, Yours Richard Smyth

Dear Jeff This contribution may arrive too late for this magazine though I hope not.

Apart from being a Vet, Christmas Island, Y site 1958 and a member since 1991,1 am also Chairman of the Stornoway Branch of RAFA. For Remembrance service this year many local ex Sendee Associations got together to form a larger than usual attendance.

Since the BNTVA standard for Scotland has never been paraded publicly in these Islands, I wrote to John Lowe and asked permission to parade the Standard that day.

Roddy Moffat Stronoway Isle of Lewis (see picture on the back page Ed)

Perhaps I have mis-read the ship's side number and someone will have a more accurate version but you might like to 1956/1957 Christmas Island. have a sniff of one man's recollections.

By the way, the N.Z. Defence Department 1 am trying to trace Les Walker very generously sent me the NZ Special who came from Middlesbrough Services Medal (Nuclear Testing) and the and just married prior to posting.

NZ Operational Sendee Medal - the latter, I think was related to the Malaysian Donald Bean.

Emergency in 1958/9. As you probably ( unfortunately the photo Donald know the NZ government did open the sent would not reproduce Ed) door to the possibility of pension entitlement for those who could provide evidence of health deterioration resulting from nuclear test participation.

Fortunately none of my own deterioration is attributable to that!!

18

Extracts from our website guest book Contact details with the Editor My mum Betty Dobson is trying to trace her brother who served on Christmas island .His name is Peter Hickling. Does anyone remember him or know of his whereabouts Neil Dobson What a brilliant site - just discovered it after surfing the net for info on Christmas Island. My dad was there 1957/58 with 59 Field Squadron RE, his name is Richard (Dick) Theobald. Does anyone remember him? He has mentioned his time on the island and has a few photos but this site gives a true insight to actually what went on there.

Debbie Mercer Hi Guys, Anyone remember me? I was the butcher in the supply depot in 1958 to May 1959 at IIMS Resolution. If you know me, give me buzz on the email.

This is the first time I have attempted to renew my ties with the bad memories I still have at being a test dummy on that desolate bloody place.

John Whitton On behalf of my father Ron Wilkinson who served with the Royal Signals on Christmas island in 57/58 he would love to hear from anybody who remembers him .

Darren Wilkinson

Hello everyone I'm compiling the story of the Kiwi ships that were in Operation Grapple. I'd like to hear your memories and bits about those who served in those ships. Cheers Gerry Wright I would like to try to contact Dave Judd, Mike Sabine,Taff Hurly, Ginger Chamberlin, Geordie Dobson and Bill Neale, who were on this web site before.

We all served in the wardroom, on Christmas island, 1958/59.

Michael Cleal I was on Christmas Island Feb58 to Feb59 with No2 Special Engineer Regiment Workshop R E M E in the electrical section I would like to contact anyone who remembers me’ John Darnell Nice to see guest book open again. I was in 73 Christmas island squadron Royal Engineers 1958-9 c and m troop.

Anybody who was in that troop and feel they might know me (yes I know it was a long time ago ) just get in touch.

Jimmy Gwilt BNTVA G132 Hello everyone. I am trying to track my father's (David Rolford Garnett) brother, he was on Christmas island during the testing. The only info I have is that his children Patty,Jacky and Nicky are settled in Australia or America .If you can help please contact me as I would love to make contact with my family.

Ruth James (nee/ garnett)

19

Dear Friends

Nuclear Games

For once 1 have nothing to report.

However I do have a question Arc our ranks becoming weaker as a result of people losing interest?

Nuclear power Nuclear fame

BNTVA President

Mike Connell

Way back in the fifties that was the game A game to be played with the youth of the time A game that became a nuclear crime Swept under the carpet, erased from the I know many of us are becoming mind old and more ill but that surely does not But soon to cause Cancer and some cover the lack of support at official people blind events. What is happening?

But blindest of all, who won't tell the Our new Committee are working well and truth Are the people who caused the demise of need our support. this youth.

Despite the sad loss of Peter Williams, his The youth served their country with widow, Gron, has bravely taken over the honour and pride reins and will now run the South Wales They did their duty with eyes open wide Branch - Wally Holdsworth, our Yorkshire Rep, is working well observing So wide were their eyes that they could not see all our important dates.

The pain and suffering that was to be Sadly our Portsmouth Branch has ceased Unlike Trafalgar or Waterloo No battle honours for me or for you to function but the old members still No looking back and feeling proud meet as a group on a regular basis.

Yet forty years on still shouting loud For justice, for truth, for facts to be told Following my letter you will find a poem Concerning these lads, so brave and so which was written by our late colleague bold and friend, Mike Connell. His widow Who gave their health that others would found it amongst his papers and she had be given me permission to publish it.

Safe in the future, but not you and me We did our duty, we paid the cost I ask from the bottom of my heart that hundreds of lives needlessly lost you all support the Association as much For Queen and country, we served back as you can. then I would like to wish you and your loved But now in the nineties just poorly old ones A Very Happy Christmas and New men Year, God Bless you all.

Striving once more to clear our names, For we were all part of their Nuclear Games.

Peter Fletcher

20

Just a few thoughts on how it was all those years ago from ex sapper Cyril Roberts (Taff).

Firstly I must tell you that the photos were taken by the Royal Navy photographer.

The task force was made up of several unite of the RE 25 Fid Reg, 39 Fid Sqd and 50 Fid PK Sqd about 50 members in all. We spent four months at Longmead camp Hampshire, preparing equipment and stores prior to loading the Narvik berthed at Marchwood., she sailed in December.

We also trained and briefed at AWRE Aldermaston and Shoeburyness.

held one the three keys needed to set off the device. After which we sailed to Hi Island the detonation point was about 6 miles away. During our time at Monte Bello we had a visit from William Penny AWRE and Mountbatten who remarked, “just you few lads built the towers in such a short space of time, I will buy you some extra beer on board tonight”. By the way, he was protected by boots, overalls, and gloves.

After the explosion I was due for demob.

Got a lift to Onslow on the Aussie ship the “Alert” , a flight to Pearce Field then homer by Super Constellation from Perth to London.

Hope these ramblings will bring back sonic memories to some of my pals. Feel free to get in touch. Not heard a word since 1956.

The main party flew out to Perth in January and joined the Narvik at Freemantle. Facilities were sparse, we slept and ate where we could, mainly on deck. The great part was we had a neat rum ration and a full quart of Swan larger each evening after work.

The islands were contaminated by the first explosions in 1952. We were told it was safe, but if we received above the normal dose we would be off work for a period of time. Film badges were issued for us to wear (I wonder what happened to them).

Our main task was to erect two towers on the islands, well over 100ft high, on which the devices were to be detonated.

The hoist and det party included myself, Cyril Mabber, John Pottel, Jock Megan (Sgt) and a marine major in charge, he 21

t.

^Tonmosaic hello IS 1-AMPS . laiA_ ^ c I f. M t | Dl M( tOH n* c k. \0a„,^ «w»,

mtiM SBB? *>r ft ns , n , •i * » V

• '( Sli wn» As » * K 1 ,

*«$

v*»<

r'TMc

l

**« upc. ova £*°N % *** V-V* Tt> t hi ^u.tv%«t)K,^r„ RtviKAA

(• > i-»^i ShP *»*C ^wEX'

M v t AM r •A*' >*(

:

( J)l\» II ^INC

1 X ' ’• O S I O N ay l< I

/

}

' ■•

Two of Cyril Roberts photos from Monte Bello

S

H<Ck.u£fi£i_&

22

Extracts from the Executive Committee Standards.

Meeting held in Leeds on 29/10/06 All personnel wishing to have Standards attending any function / funeral must send Chairman a request in writing to the Administration John Lowe has received an invitation to Secretary prior to the event. meet with the new Undersecretary of State MoD Veterans Minister Mr Derek Twigg in London on 6th Dec. 50111 Anniversary of First Bomb A parade and service is to be held at the Remembrance Parade BNTVA. Memorial Stone at the National 12 November 2006 Arboretum Gardens, Alrewas, Tickets for the cenotaph have not been Staffordshire on Tuesday 15th May 2007 Taken up in their usual numbers this year, at 2pm to commemorate the 50th and it may be that we will not bother to Anniversary of the first bomb on parade in London in the future.

Christmas Island. Please ensure you put Comments please to the this momentous occasion in your diaries.

Administration Secretary.

On behalf of the Association.

Treasurer Mr. Derek Heaps, (Vice Chairman), Ted Shackley has resigned due to ill health visited the BNTVA Memorial Stone and Carol Longden has now taken over as 0n Sunday 1st Oct and laid a wreath to Treasurer. Carol and Sandie are basing commemorate the anniversary of with the auditor to prepare a statement of the first bomb test held on account for 2005.

October 3rd 1952 Membership In 2005 1,382 members sent their membership fees. To date only 778 have sent in their fees for 2006. Any member who has not paid their fees for 2006 will not be entitled to receive new issues of the “Campaign”. If the numbers keep decreasing then the magazine will be decreased from 4 to 3 issues per year.

This was agreed by all Committee Members.

NOTICE BOARD To enable the BNTVA database to be kept up to date, would all who are descendants of veterans and are members please indicate the relationship with the BNTVA veteran when they renew for the coming year.

Archivist All documents are now archived in Warwick University and if anyone wishes to view them you may do so at any time.

Is anyone interested in becoming the Archive Secretary?

Please contact the Administration Secretary

23

Book this date in vour diaries AGM Blackpool 14th April 2007

Subscriptions for 2007 are due on 1st January

I

Christmas Island Adventure

On arrival at Christmas Island we anchored off to be taken ashore by landing craft. On to lorries to be taken to main camp. We were told to parade at 8am for work, which turned out to be the concrete bases for the Sergeants mess and the cookhouse,

It was the 31 st December 1957, when we the 38 regt of the Royal Engineers departed at 8am. From Ripon railway station. This was a special train that went on to Southampton docks. We were herded onto the Dunera TT ship where we were ordered to stand by As many of you will remember our beds to await further orders. rain can rather heavy on the islands, we had our share over the I was on F deck which is about 8ft next few days, from the water line. After about two hours it did get hot and Our next job was Star Mix as the movement of the ship made me RE’s will remember this is the fell rather nauseous. It was not machinery for making tarmac. long before I needed to bolt for the heads (navy for toilet) where I saw We were soon joined by some all my last meals again. About Royal Fijian Engineers who were half an hour later we heard we masters at concrete. could go up on deck, only to find we were still alongside the dock at Our spare time involved football Southampton, but the fresh air was against the Fijians, very few Riles wonderful. so anything went including biting the toe of one of the Fijian's who believed in going through, not At midnight on Janl we set sail. around the other team.

Off to BFPO 120.

It was open sea for days until we reached Curacao where we called in, then on to the Panama canal.

We had a massive stonn which lasted 36 hours. Once we left Panama it stopped.

Very soon RAF people started arriving by aircraft and we knew the first drop was near. Against us the RAF blokes looked like Moonies being very white.

In preparation for the drop we were issued with white suits and 24

plus 10 20 30 when the voice said, “you may turn round and look”.

Well we jumped up and looked Oh my God!! The sky from the left On the morning of the first test, we and the right was one boiling cauldron and all around us was on were taken towards the port, where all the lorries were left with fire. Birds fluttered down burned, We were still in shock when the engines running. This was in the event of anything going wrong, we orders came to Stand by for “BLAST” Bang! Not one but were to go to the nearest lorry, which would take us to the port for several in quick succession, Everyone fell to the ground. embarkation onto the ships dark glasses. Given the order many times. “Do not open your eyes when the bomb is released”.

The time had come! We were instructed to sit down as the take off of the aircraft took place. We looked and could see the vapour trails in the sky. The commentary continued over the Tannoy, “the aircraft is passing Delta and is turning, this will be a dummy run”, Then it came over loud and clear.

“This will be a live run”. The voice told us to put on our glasses and cover our eyes with our hands, “KEEP YOUR EYES CLOSED do not, I repeat, do not open your eyes. The weapon has been released KEEP YOUR EYES CLOSED! 30 29 28 27 26 25 24 23 do not open your eyes 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 1514 13 12 11 10 98 7 6 5 4 3 2 1” Suddenly we felt the heat then it got hotter and hotter it felt as if you had left the cooker on full and you were sitting by the open door. The counting continued

One thing from this momentous event in history will stay with me for the rest of my life, and that is sitting close together with my comrades listening to the sound of us breathing louder and faster just before the bomb dropped. It was haunting.

After a while we were split into parties to deal with the aftermath, Burned, and made blind by the flash, some of the birds were still alive and needed to be dealt with swiftly. Cable reels and wood was blazing. We then returned to camp and got back to work.

Following these events it was back to work, concrete and tarmac, Then the preparations started all over again my troop moved to B

25

i

camp towards the south east point of the island.

another site and build the same again. In all I built four.

Once we started making tarmac we knew the test was imminent. The first had been an H bomb drop this was to be a A bomb which was going to be lifted by four ban-age balloons. One day the CO called me over and asked what my civvy trade was? Plumber was my reply.

I had worked on guttering on houses. With that he told me to follow him to his Land Rover, we set off towards the balloons.

Without stopping he pointed out a concrete block with a railway sleeper sticking up towards the sky. “That's the one he said” then carried on in a big ark pointing towards others until we came to the section that I was to build, “You start in the morning” was the instruction. After looking and counting I thought, MY GOD how do I get out of this? But you can’t say NO. There were fifteen sections 10 ft long 150 ft in all.

The time came for the test. The A bomb was raised by the barrage balloons at about 2000 ft when the button was pressed and the firing took place. The masts all melted and we were told to build four more, So the story continued until at last I was returned to the UK. At the 2004 AGM a scientist stood and talked about our tests. I spoke to him and asked him about the bunkers he mentioned. He said There were ten around the Island, “where was I”? I replied “the South East point, and how close were we”? When he said three miles, I asked him how it was I was still here. The answer “ It would be in my genes”. All I could say was “ Bloody Hell”,

Just to end these particular memoirs, every service man has a The next morning we worked until number of which he needs to quote the last three numbers along with I reached 80 ft when 1 began to his name when asked mine 007! feel quite happy. The mast was not a pole, it was a triangle 14” wide. After completing the mast I thought that was it, but no such luck. I was told to move on to

26

Message from France Jeff As we discussed on the telephone last evening 1 enclose some thoughts on how I feed myself in France. I thought the other mem­ bers would like to have an insight into my kitchen.

1. Onion soup Take 1 Litre of water, I Carrot, 2 large Onions , boil until the all the ingredients are cooked, season with salt and fresh ground pepper, add some of the boiled Garlic.

Place in a food processor or liquidizer for a couple of minutes until smooth. Eat with some fresh cereal bread.

Number 1 Public enemy number 1 i Don’t forget is constip your 5 a day fruit and vegetables when eaten with cereal bread bran Garlic etc etc away goes the I have slowly Constip creating my own cook book for those like me with 66 year old problems. Do not take Laxatives except under medical advice as these can create more problems than they sort out.

2. Take a % portion of Chicken 1 potato, 1 carrot, 3 Onions, 3 raw Garlic cloves add 2 litres of water season to taste. Bring to the boil, turn down and simmer until the vegetables are cooked. The meat can then be removed and placed in a flying pan and browned on both sides. Any remaining vegetables can be liquidized and made into soup.

The first thing in my cook book is Garlic, this was given with salt to Roman slaves for having worked harder

3. Chop some Cabbage, add 1 Onion 1 carrot sliced 2 Garlic cloves. Bring to the boil until tender serve with a splash of extra Virgin Olive oil.

Take 6 cloves of Garlic peel and boil until soft, place in bowl and cover with Virgin Olive oil add a splash of wine vinegar and crushed Parsley. It keeps for ever and is so very versatile. Add to soups or simply eat as it is.

4. Another of my favourites is Chick peas, green beans, or white beans. If dried soak before cooking. Cook until tender. Take a portion of Basaltic rice cook for the usual time. When all the ingredients are cooked place in a bowl add some virgin Olive oil 27

Property prices in France are much lower than the UK. Beware of the old legal warning “Caveat Emptor” let the buyer beware.

My GP say’s “A glass of French red wine after breakfast and 2 glasses at lunch and dinner are to be recommended”, she does not own a wine cave.

Going back to food an old friend of mine has had a book published entitled “ Meals for the Older person” it is a good book to get hold of.

1 am hoping to publish my book which 1 hope to call “Ken 66 and all that.” My GP also says that depression starts in the colon so watch out if you do not have a healthy life style If any of you are thinking of making a move to another country then I can recommend France it has it all mountains, seaside, rural, large towns and cities.

If anyone would liked to contact me about living in France the editor has my contact details.

Can we help?

Over the past few weeks we have learned of members waiting for photographs and copy to be returned, after loaning them to the Association.

Please be as accurate as possible exact descriptions of the content, to whom sent and when.

Without full details it will be impossible to trace anything.

To enable the executive committee to have a full picture Please be patient and we will do all we can to return your of what is still outstanding property to you. please send full details to the editor.

28

The Parable of The Pencil

In the beginning the pencil maker spoke to the pencil saying: “There are five things you need to know before I send you out into the world.

Always remember them and you will become the best pencil you can be”.

You will be able to do many great things but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.

You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time but this Second: is required of you if you are to become a better pencil.

You have the ability to correct any mistakes you might make.

Third: The most important part of you is what’s inside.

Fourth: No matter what the condition you must continue to write. You must Fifth: always leave a clear, legible mark, no matter how difficult the situation.

The pencil understood, promising to remember, and went inside the box fully understanding it’s maker’s purpose.

First:

Now, replacing the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget and you will become the best person you can be.

One:

You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand and allow other human beings to assess you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time by going through various problems but you’ll use it to become a better person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make or grow through them.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.

Five: On every surface you walk you must always leave your mark. No matter what the situation you must continue to serve God in everything.

Everyone is like a pencil Created by the maker for a unique and special purpose.

By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our lives on this earth, having a meaningful purpose in our hearts and a relationship with God daily.

YOU WERE MADE TO DO GREAT THINGS

Major Albert Brown Salvation Army Blackpool 29

BNTVA OFFICERS 2006/7 & Executive Committee Please do not telephone the Executive Committee members outside of these hours BEFORE 9.00 AM AND AFTER 8.00 PM CHAIRMAN - NEW ADDRESS John G Lowe 7 Bedale Drive Whitley Bay Tyne & Were NE25 8RU Tel: 0191 252 7931 VICE-CHAIRMAN & TRIBUNAL OFFICER Derek Heaps 4 Bakewell Drive Castle Donnington Derby DE74 2NF Tel:/Fax: 0133 281 1429 TREASURER Carol Longden 2 Fossland View Middlecroft Drive Strcnsall York Y032 5RH 01904 492 875 (PHONE ONL Y BETWEEN 6.00 - 8.00 pm) LITIGATION SECRETARY Douglas Hem 36 Bell Lane Moulton Spalding PE12 6PH Tel: 0140 637 1134 Fax: 01406 370 847 e-mail: hcmie@tiscali.co.uk

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY Sandie Hern 36 Bell Lane Moulton Spalding PE12 6PH Tel: 0140 637 1134 Fax: 01406 370 847 e-mail: hemie@tiscali.co.uk MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY (for mailing addresses and Membership fee) Bob Smith, 11 Holyknowe Crescent Lennoxtown Glasgow G66 7DY Tel: 01360 311 300 Fax: 01360 310 645 WIDOW’S REPRESENTATIVE Mavis Gardner 30 Link Road Anstey Leicester LE7 7BY Tel:/Fax: 01162 364 737 CHILDREN’S REPRESENTATIVE Martin Blackburn 57 Princes Avenue Astley, Tyldcsley Manchester M29 7BZ tel/fax: 01942 704529 martin8406@blucvonder.co.uk

30

ADVISORS TO THE COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN EDITOR and WEBMASTER Jeff Liddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA Tel: 01275 848 965 E-mai 1: jeff_liddiatt@yahoo.co.uk

PRESIDENT Peter Fletcher MBE 11 Lord Street, St Helens Merseyside WA10 2SJ Tel: 01744 630 612 ADVISING SOLICITOR Ian Greenhalgh LLB 15 Beech Hall Street Wigan WN6 7MX Tel: 01942 820 202 Fax: 0870 250 1340 CHAPLAIN The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling BA, LLD

Dean of Chichester The Deanery, Canon Lane, Chichester West Sussex POI9IPX NATIONAL STANDARD BEARER Terry Washington ‘Little Hey’ 8 Butley Close Tythcrington Macclesfield SK102HL

BNTVA Shop Window

BNTVA SHOP MANAGER Trevor Butler 75 Woldcarr Road Hull Humberside HU36TR Tel: 01482 571 431 Fax: 01482 569 241 Badges Car Blazer Lapel

3.00 12.00 2.50

Small Medium Large Ex Large

12.50

BNTVA Grapple

7.50

Shirts 12.50

12.50 12.50

Ties

Fleece Caps Key rings Cufflinks (pair) Tie Pins Blue BNTVA

9.50 22.00 11.50 2.00 5.00

1.00 3.00

•' :rr. itli

Campaign magazine is published by the British NuclearIF UNDELIVERED — Tests Veterans Association. Editor: Mr Jeff Liddiatt, 13 Wetlands Lane, Portishead, Bristol BS20 6RA. Tel: 01275 848 965. Next issue copy deadline 1st March 2007.

3 Smith BNTVA is not an anti-nuclear or an anti-war association. All opinions, views and quotations do not represent official l 1 HolyknOWC BNTVA policy and are the sole responsibility of the writer.

Photographs and images - © Copyright of owner acknowledged. Campaign cannot guarantee total accuracy LennoXtOWTl for any reproduction of letters / articles / transcripts. BNTVA is a ‘not for profit’ voluntary Association supporting past andG|3SQ0W present UK Nuclear Test Combined Service Veterans and their families.

RETURN TO

Crescent

G667DY