Christmas 1991

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Special Xmas Issue *eH at Frank Furlong’s grave

CHOSEN FOR AN AFTER TRIP OF A

DURING ni^ 1989 Pilgrimage ^m^first pany, who assisted me to reach the island, promised to do the same for me in 1992 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Great Britain’s first atom bomb test on October 3,1952.

However, due to my state of health, it speared I would not be able to do it in 1991.

So the Australian Ex-service Atomic Survivors Association invited me to their 1991 Memorial Service and requested that I address the Assembly instead of their President, which is the normal practice.

This

ind willIfiie to r-

On Wednesday October 2, our oil friends flew us to Barrow Island (their rig base) where we spent the night.

The following day though we were up at 5.30am and we were taken by heli­ copter across to Monte Bello’s accom­ panied by Bob ‘Bilko’ Young - a training officer and our pilot. Bob himself carried a video camera and filmed most of the trip and service.

We first landed on Hermite Island alongside the H.l. building (or what is left of it). At approximately 9.10am, I began my service with prayers of remembrance and laid wreaths (actually we hung them on the shell of the builaing).

The wreaths were laid on behalf of: B.N.T.V.A.; Australian Veterans; New Zealand, Canadian and Fijian Veterans; HMS Diana Veterans; the Aboria onie People and the People’s of the s outh Pacific Islands; a posy of flowers to al veterans on behalf of Greenpeace.

I My cassette tape was then turned on to Iplay the Last Post, Reveille, the National [Anthem,and, finally, Advance Australian Fair.

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From Hermite we flew around the islands for a birds eye view before land­ ing on Alpha Island, scene of Mosaic 2 in 1956.

Our pilot, on learning we were still within yards of grouna zero, became very, very anxious to depart - he was really that nervous. We then returned to Barrow Island where again we spent the night.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 4: Again we made an early start and were flown to Onslow on the mainland to visit and attend to the grave of Sapper Frank Furlong.

Frank was killed on Hermite Island cleaning up after the test (1952). His ‘dozer’ overturned falling on top of him and killing him outright.

We buried Frank there, but a year later (1953), on instructions from the British Parliament, he was exhumed by the crew of a R.A.N. ship and re-interred in Ons­ low Cemetery.

A few weeks prior to leaving for Aus­ tralia, I contacted the ‘Flying Vicar” of the North West Australia Territory, the Rev.Brian Harding, who so kindly attended on October 4 and held a ser­ vice alongside Frank’s grave.

Sa dly, Frank's grave is sadly neglect­ ed. He is probably the only British sol­ dier buried in Australia. However, I am currently in touch with the authorities re­ sponsible hopefully to have his grave improved and tended regularly.

After the service we returned to Barrow Island before flying back to Perth.

The wreaths we put upon the HI building

Peter at Frank Furlong's gravestone

HONOUR LIFETIME SATURDAY OCTOBER 5: Each year, on the Saturday nearest to October 3, the Aus­ tralian veterans hold a wreath laying memorial service at the War Memorial. Kings Park, Perth.

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This is attended by veterans, widows and their families as well as local dignitaries, mem­ bers of Parliament and serving military officers rep resenting R.A.N., R.A.A.F. and the Royal Australian Army.

Also present, alona with Chris and I, were mv old Monte Bello mates, Geoff Butler, Ronnie Knight, and John McClure - all ex-Royal Engineers - and Peter Board, ex-Royal Navy - all now resident in Ausssie. 1 must not forget John Muxworthy, former Royal Engineer at Mosaic Tests in 1956.

Regards and best wishes are sent to all British veterans by Bill Plewright, president of the Australian Ex-service Atomic Survivors Association. His sen­ timent, like mine, is “keep going mate, we must win.’

To those of you who served on Monte Bello, the islands are still as desolate and lonely. The Spinifax has grown again and is

still sharp and needle-like as ever. And it still hurts your legs.

y The journey must have been hectic because we couldn’t get Chris to stay awake

Wildlife is also returning, the giant spiders, sharks, rays, tur­ tles etc, and not forgetting the eagles, two of which we actual­ ly saw.

As we stood at the H.l. build­ ing, one moved directly over­ head and must have picked me out as one of those who helped wreck and kill his forefathers in 1952. Yes, you’ve guessed it, he dropped a load hitting me between my shoulder blades.

Despite thoroughly rinsing the blazer, the stain remains.

The pilgrimage to Monte Bello and to Frank’s grave in Onslow, was made possible by my friends of W.A.Petroleum - Mr R Stallings and Mr Humphrey Williams. Not forgetting the company of Bob ‘Bilko’ Young.

Thanks to each and every one of you.

PETER FLETCHER

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Chris, Rev Harding and myself at Frank Furlong’s grave

CHAIRMAN^ Report MANY. many people will have noticed over tne past year that more and more television compan|es have shown continued suppalgri °Ur ver^ JU8^^a^*e camSo I would like to to relay my thanks to participants of recent documen­ taries.

“Human Factor” by TVS was shown in October and highlighted the life and dedication of our Peter Fletcher. It was extremely moving and well put together.

What the crews did not realise though was that throughout the three days of filming, Peter was having a low period1, but being his usual pig­ headed self, kept telling the producer and director he was perfectly all right to continue.

The documentary “Children of the Bomb’ by Tyne Tees television, was shown four days later on October 17 and it is a film that, I am sure, will cre­ ate a great deal of interest at home and abroad.

No doubt it will also be shown again on various channels - we certainly hope so.

In making the extremely sensitive report, we salute Malcolm, Mark, John and Deidre for all their strenuous efforts.

I am neither a scientist or medical man. Like yourselves I was a naive young serviceman who trusted his superiors when sent to the bomb tri­ als.

I am proud to say we can hold our heads up high because of our achievements over the nine years of campaigning.

The loyalty of our committee and our members is unswerving, but having said that, there are in our midst one or two “spoilers” who try to cause unrest. AS CHAIRMAN I INTEEND TO WEED THEM OUT AS SOON AS POS­ SIBLE. The DSS mailout is still going on and

I would like to thank the people who are giving us expert advice on carry­ ing out tnis operation. It would not have been achieved without them.

No names no pack drill, but thank you Olive and Martin.

Thanks also to the man who started it al. Sid Harris and to Peter Fletcher, Chris Rowlands and John Lowe for their work in organising the mailout especially Chris who worked day and night before and after he got it off the ground.

On to the political side, there is obvi­ ously a contradiction between Mr Archie Hamilton and the Prime Minis­

ter.

On January 25th this year, Mr Hamil­ ton said - Hansard reference 260 - that “we would be ready to pay compensa­ tion whenever the Crown’s legal liabil­ ity was established and when there was firm evidence to show that, even on balance,” etc, etc...

This is slightly different from the Prime Minister’s answer to my own MP, Gordon McMaster, in a reply to him. I quote: “The Government's position is that we will be ready to pay compensation IF there is firm evidence’ etc, etc. That was on August 27 this year.

It is obvious there is little or no communication between Number 10 and White and it is about time they got their act together.

Two or more of our widows have recently received their pensions thanks mainly to their fighting quali­ ties and determination.

I pay tribute to Sue Curran from Whitley Bay. who waited four years for justice after the sad death of her husband Ed. Sue and Ed were, for a considerable number of years, a pro­ fessional dance team with Benny Hill.

And a tribute also to Mrs Betty Hayes from Stubbington, who, like Sue, never gave up. God bless you both.

Just recently the Coroner at Tun­ bridge Wells recorded a verdict of “death attributable to exposure to ion-

Isina radiation during military ser­ vice at the Inquest on Tony Lavender. i would recommend to Collins dictio­ nary that the word widow (particularly British) should be described as 'a helpless creature, stood on by estab­ lishments, especially the MoD, treated with contempt and entitled to noth­ ing.”

Many people were delighted that the three servicemen who lost their legs in an unfortunate accident during mili­ tary exercise in Canada, have now been fully compensated..

After watching the first class pro­ gramme “This Week” by Richard Lindlev, I, like thousands of viewers, was shocked and disgusted at the Minister of State for the Armed Forces who stated: “You do not need legs for a desk job.”

I am amazed he is still in his posi­ tion, but with hindsight, after reading some of his answers in Hansard I am not surprised he fits the job.

One more point he stated was that the “despatches television pro­ gramme covering Christmas Island” aleges that there was heavy rain off Christmas Island on 28th April, 1958.

Mr Hamilton has boobed again. It was not Despatches that made this allegation, it was Major Carman, Ken Taylor, Tom Birch and myself.

We were there, you were not and I challenge I challengie Mr Hamilton on the issue, but as tn e Prime Minister has no desire to meet us we would dearly welcome a debate with the Min­ ister of State on any television or radio programme.

In closing, I would add that I would like to see more widows becoming involved in branch activities. We need our widows and families support.

Pressure your rep’s for more infor­ mation, which they always have or, if you prefer, drop me a note for up-todate information.

Ken McGinley

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HAVE you ever entered a Cathe­ dral, the sun glistening through the stainedglass windows, tne smell of old fimber, the weathered stone floor.

What an atmosphere this all cre­ ates, a feeling that for hundred’s of years people have met here in times of trouble and joy.

At Portsmouth, on the day of our DedicationMemorial Service, a large stained glass window shone like a jewel - it was com­ memorating D-Day. There was a golden barque weather vane mounted on aplinth made from the oak of HMS Nel­ son. Legend has it that if you touch the barque you will never drown. Also in the Martyrs Chapel, in the floor, lies the tomb of the unknown sailor from the Mary Rose.

The Cathedral itself was dedicated in honour of Thomas A’Becket, Arch­ bishop of Canterbury, who was mur­ dered in 1170 and there had always been a church on the Harbourmouth site for 800 years.

From the various styles of architec­ ture you could see the Cathedral had been rebuilt and extended over the years. Even to this day it is still not finished with work being carried out to complete the west end of the build­ ing..

This then is an attempt to describe to youthe lovely Cathedral Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury in Old Portsmouth which was the backdrop for a service of dedication and unveil­ ing of a memorial to veterans.

It was the culmination of about seven months of letter writing, meet­ ings, numerous phone calls and lots of publicity.

The idea was first firmly planted in my head after I attended a Memorial Service in Liverpool in 1989. In May the following year I put my idea to Peter Fletcher and asked, if I got it off the ground would he and Chris help.

In June I contacted Councillor Michael Hancock in Portsmouth and I knew from past experience that he would do all he could to help the vet-

erans. Things just progressed from there.

It was suggested that a good loca­ tion for the plaque would be at Sally Port, near tne Palklands Memorial.

However that was not to be. the MoD got wind of our intentions and Rear Admiral Jonathan Todd told us that no memorial could be sited on their land nor would the MoD allow servicemen to take part in the dedi­ cating ceremony.

What’s more, the plaque should not be associated with other City Memori­ als that had been erected WITH the MoD’s full support.

Those remarks from the MoD made front page news in the local news­ paper. At the time I thought if the Admiral fell off his ship I doubt if he would even make a ripple.

A little bird tells me he has now retired to go into politics.

I urged veterans and widows to bombard newspapers with letters of protest and it caused such a stir.

Meanwhile Peter Fletcher had been having talks with Ian Shakespear of the Cooperative Funeral Directors and he agreed to donate the memorial stone.

But where would the stone rest?

Peter always wanted it on holy around so he approached our Canon Nicholas Frayling, who introduced him to the Very Rev.David Stancliffe, Provost of Portsmouth.

Meetings took place with him, also attended by two local veterans, Sid Hardwick and Reg Smith, and Cllr Mike Hancock despite being an hour away from his father-in-law's funeral, and after showing us the beautiful 12th century Rose Garden, we were told this would be the final restingplace for the stone when Cathedral renovations had been completed.

David insisted it had to be made fdrom thornback stone from a special quarry so it matched that of the Cathedral and over a cup of tea, the plans were finalised.

The date was February 19 - the same day in 1952 that Operation Hur­ ricane sailed out of Portsmouth

bound for Monte Bello. In addition Mr Winston Churchill, MP, had already agreed to unveil the stone.

The saga wasn’t over though. Some of the City Council objected to our motto “All We Seek is Justice”. After consultations with the committee and MP Jack Ashley, we decided to exclude the motto.

This however led to Mr Churchill saying he still supported us, but he could no longer unveil the stone. His replacement was Cl I r Syd Rapson, BfcM, Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, who was delighted to accept the invitation.

The day finally arrived. Peter and Chris had been busy doing radio interviews, I was fortunate to meet many veterans I had only spoken or correpsonded with before and the spectacle began.

There was a great lump in my throat.

Peter read Isaiah Ch43 verses 5-7 and the reading s were placed on the magnificent golden eagle with its wings outstretched.

I began to tremble. My legs tu rned to jelly. It was my turn to read. Psalm 121, Mathew Cn5 Vs 1-11. I overcame the ordeal.

The service was very moving with veterans crying unashamedly, the Reveille, the sermon given by Nicholas. It left an impression on my grand-daughter Robina and both John and I were proud to have taken part in such a magnificent day.

FOOTNOTc oy Peter Fletcher: Chris and I arrived in Portsmouth 48 hours early to finalise arrangements. We happened to be in the Cathedral when the stone arrived and there for all to see was our motto “ALL WE SEEK IS JUSTICE”.

Was it an act of God or a Sign? Noone complained from that day to this.

The stone is still inside the Cathe­ dral, but will be placed in the Garden of Repose on completion of all renovations.

BOBBIE BREWSTER

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What you should do about grant aid fJlr sh°.u,d anyone require anv further p,eased to he,p-

l°^ards l.he cost of a wide range Of gods and services for peor'^ *vith cancer* and on a low income.

Grants are available where the DHS Local Authorities and the NHS are unable to meet the needs of people with cancer.

Grants are made for heating bills, treat­ ment and visiting fares, domestic appli­ ances and independent holidays in a num­ ber of attractive locations throughout the country.

Payments are now made within three

working days after the receipt of a Grant Application form.

A GP, nurse or social worker will apply on a patients behalf as direct applications are not possible.

The same department also offers advice in such areas as obtaining insurance cover and mortgages.

The contact for those residing in Eng­ land is: Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund 15-19 Britten Street London SW3.

For those resident in Scotland this is who you should contact: Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund North lace 82 Great North Road Hatfield, Herts AL9 5BL

Safeguarding your

WILL all members please WRITE to Ken our chairman telling him about your state of health.

health

We know many of you are now suffering illnesses you didn't have when you first joined us so it is IMPORTANT you tell us when you do fall in. And please quote your membership number as it helps us identify you.

us the better. Please include copies of any death certificatyes when you write as we need to have tru0/77.

We also need full details about your children and grandchildren including those who, sadly, did not live for they are just as important. Give the full name of any illnesses, and, where death has occurred, the reason why.

This information is vital to our campaign so the more you tell

Unfortunately some of us are dying and this is the saddest part of our campaign.

If these needless deaths are to help other veterans we need to be informed of them as soon as possible.

I know it will be difficult for those left behind, but please try and let us know quickly.

peace of mind by being prepared

0800 289120 Everyone knows the value of being prepared, but do you know the value of The Co-operative Funeral Bond You pay for the funeral at todays prices Guaranteed - with no additional costs whenever the funeral occurs - conduct­ ed anywhere in thew United Kingdom.

E3 people uiho core ^ In time of need

A flexible payment scheme Is avail­ able on request

PENSIONS: Quite a few of you have War Pensions, but HAvE YOU TOLD US? We need to know for which ill­ ness it was awarded and what percentage you were given. You don't have to state the amount in monetary terms because that is private unless you chose to reveal it.

We also need to know if your claim for a Pension was turned down and the reason given for refusal. Please let us know.

DSS FORMS: On July 30 we took a thousand claim forms to the DSS in Black­ pool and we would like to thank al those who took time to send them to Chris as requested.

By now everyone should have received a form to complete from the DSS. However there are a few who must be wondering why they haven't heard anything.

Well the answer is simple - you forgot to put your name and address at the top of the claim form that we sent out in the begining.

I was able to use my crystal ball on some that were sent back to Chris, but others were impos­ sible to trace.

So if you are one of the forget­ ful ones, please let us know and we will send you another form for you to claim.

I AM delighted to have this opportunity of sending all mem­ bers of the BNTVA and their families, my warmest good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Thanks to the untiring efforts of your committee and certain individuals in the media, I sense that at last we may be making progress.

The various television pro­ grammes, especially most recently “Children of the Bomb”, have presented verytelling and compelling evidence.

I am delighted to have been able to inspire the interest of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee in the ques­ tion.

Having recently viewed “Children of the Bomb”, the committee is currently having the raw research data used by Tyne Toes television to make the programme, analysed.

On the basis that the data is sound - which we have every reason to believe it will be - 1 believe that there is a strong likelihood that the Committee will decide to launch a formal enquiry early in the New Year, taking evidence from Ministers, officials, the NRPB, scientific and medical experts in the field and, no doubt, from the BNTVA itself While the Defence Committee cannot compel the Government to any particular course of action by focusing spotlight of publici­ ty on particular problems or injustices, it is certainly in a position to influence and bring considerable pressure to bear on Government.

My hope for the New Year is that the Government will be per­ suaded, as was the US Govern­ ment some five years ago, to do away with the requirement that an individual has to prove that his cancer or leukemia resulted entirely and exclusively front participation in Britain's Nuclear Test Programme - a task that is impossible - in favour of a pre­ sumption that anyone who hap­ pened to participate in the tests and has developed specific cate­ gories of malignancy, shall auto­ matically qualify for compensa­ tion.

Happy Christmas and New Year to ail

Winston S Churchill J

Vice Chairmans report SINCE my last report I am delighted to say I have had no need to be hos­ pitalized.

Still on the subject of television, I was proud and honoured to have been chosen for the documentary “The Human Factor” by TVS.

Not so the case with many of you because I constantly get news of someone or other in our member­ ship being admitted to hospital. All I can say to that is that our prayers and our thoughts are constantly with you and your families.

My selection for this programme came about as a result of my in­ volvement with the organising ot our memorial service in Portsmouth Cathedral last February (see Bobbie Brewsters report).

The N.R.P.B. study continues, stjll many months behind schedule. It is said the results of this second study should be released early next year.

However they have asked to meet us and this was scheduled for late November with Mike Doyle, Mike Read, our solicitor Mark Mildred and myself attending, I still feel the only way to get a true result is a study of living veterans and full medical examinations by unbiased doctors and medical staff.

President Bush of the USA, since getting to the White House, has added rwo more cancers to the thirteen already accepted cancers. Fur­ thermore the United States no longer believes some cancers will not mani­ fest 10, 15, 20 or 30 years after receiving radiation. They now find they can manifest any time of life.

Just what is it with our Govern­ ment? Why will they not show some compassion and some gratitude?

What are they trying to cover up?

Who are they protecting?

America is reputed to be the worlds’s leading experts on radiation and its effects. So I repeat, why will our Mr John Major ana his team not heed and act on the findings of the USA. At the time of writing we have high hopes of a meeting with members of the Defence Select Committee. If this transpires your representatives will be informed of the outcome.

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The Tyne Tees documentary “Children of the Bomb” was indceed an eye opener to many people although not to us. We have been telling them of our children and grand-children for years.

Someone said that the flowers of today produce the seeds for the flowers of tomorrow. Her Majestys Government, please look at these flowers and do something con­ structive and human.

The producer, Peter Williams, and his wife, Jo, contacted me via the Very Reverend David Stancliffe, Provost of Portsmouth. They invited me to meet them in London for an interview and it went on from there.

They attended Chatham’s Royal Engineers Museum for the unveiling oflhe bench dedicated to Royal Engineers who took part in tests, ana filming started from there.

Later in the year, they spent three days filming in and around my home.

Wonderful, considerate people thank you Peter, Jo and Alan Ravenscroft th e director.

The bench at the Royal Engineers Museum, Brompton Barracks, Chatham, was donated by The Cura­ tor, Miss Caroline Reed and her staff.

As an ex-sapper I am sure I express the gratitude of all ex-sappers and their families to Caroline and her staff (see Ken Taylor’s report).

If and when you visit the museum, spend a few minutes sitting on our bench to rest and to meditate.

Remembrance Sunday, November 10: The salute was taken by HRH Prince Philip and this year I request­ ed 90 tickets and received the same.

How many were actually used? In fact it was a disappointing 30.

I am the first to admit that many of you are too ill to attend while many attended their local services. Others feel they cannot afford it. To those in the latter category I say this is no excuse.

Surely each branch can raise funds to enable a few members to travel and take part in the national parade.

One member travelled all the wav from the North of Scotland, one c?.m^^rom way down in Devon, three ^ay f.rom Lancashire, TWELVE from the East and West

Midlands (The Crazy Gang!), two from Leds, two from Blackpool, some from Sussex, one from Ports­ mouth, one from Ireland and the rest from London and the Home Coun­ ties.. Anyway, 30 of us in all.

Ho pefuly we can try to do better in God 1willing.

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Our campaign for pensions is that we have now delivered almost 1000 applications. This proved to be a very busy time, especially for Chris Rowlands, v/ho worked so hard, almost day and night, that he now talks with a squeaky voice and walks funny. Many, many thanks Chris, I know you worked hard.

I feel I must, in all honesty, com­ ment on the speed at which people at Morcross Pensions Department acted. Within 36 hours of us handing in the applications, members were receiving their questionnaires.

Also thanks to the people at Records Archives in Nelson, Lancs.

Chris and I delivered some 300 com­ pleted questionnaires to Nelson and within 24 hours I was receiving phone calls from their controller ask­ ing me for various details omitted by applicants so that they could pro­ cess the incomplete forms.

They had no need to do this. The papers could well have been put into ‘hold or void” trays as being incom­ plete. However, many thanks to all concerned.

In September, Chris Rowlands and I travelled to Australia where we made a pilgrimage to the Monte Bello Islands on October 3. I will enter a separate report on this par­ ticular event..

In closing I will repeat myself in saying you must not despair - WE WILL WIN OUR RIGHTFUL PEN­ SIONS. It goes without saying Ken, myself ana your committee will continue to strive to that goal.

Finally I wish for you and your’s all I wish for myself and mine at this coming Christmas and New Year, will 1992 be our year? Forty years after the first test, I pray it will be. I pray that God will grant the powers that be, the qualities of compassion, gratitude and a sense of truth and justice.

Peter Fletekc

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What a farce!

Tribute from Sheila WHY Why are our children so different Why aren’t they able to ru»» Why must they lie in bed all day Why can’t they have any fun Why are they not like other kids Why do they look so strange Why were our men in Australia Why at a nuclear test range

Why will people not listen Why do they turn away Why won’t they heed when we tell them Why this may be THEIR chil­ dren one day

JUST to prove how Christmas Island members arc being from June 15, 1958 to treated in their bid to July 1, 1959.

But she has been be granted a pension is illustrated by Mrs told before she can be Mona Brock from considered for the Wiltshire. Her hus- pension she must band Peter was a pri- prove her husband vate in the Royal ate fish in the sea at Wiltshire Regiment Christmas Island, and was a driver on How farcical!

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Sheila Gray (Mrs)

Saying it all in song

A prayer just our Associati

ON CHRISTMAS ISLAND Where arc they going.

They only got their orders from above.

And they followed, like a band of loyal servants,, to the cause.

They gave them hats and goggles.

To watch those bombs go off.

They never told the men a thing.

They covered them in smog, At Christmas Island they left them for dead.

They took away the summertime and nothing more was said, At Christmas Island, They left them all for dead.

“And he feeleth for our sadness And he shareth in our gladness”

Dedicated to all nuclear test veterans and their widows.

on© to asks Derek DEREK Heaps has written to us from Derby asking members to help him track down the Founder Members of 1325 Flight.

1325 Flight was formed at RAF Dishforth in Yorkshire late in 1956.

The Squadron Leader was Joe Hurst.

We obtained three old Dakota aircraft from Scottish Aviation at Prest­ wick with two 100 gallon fuel tanks Fitted in the fuselage so they could fly the long journey from San Francisco to Honolulu.

A few of us were flown from Dishforth in a Hastings aircraft in January 1957 to go via Malta, NorthAfrica, Iran, Pakistan, Ceylon, Singapore, Labuan, three stops in Australia, Fiji, Canton Isle and, finally, landing at Christmas Island on january 13, 1957.

We operated a daily service to Malden Isle and I resided in tent Cl9.

Any old members should contact Derek Heaps at 4 Bakewcll Drive, Castle Donington, Derby DE7 2NF. Tel: 0332-811429

Written and sung by Alister Allan, resident singer Bruce Hotel, East Kilbride

Best wishes to Terry OUR Association would like to send best wishes to Terry Waite on his release.

We hope he gets well soon after his ordeal in captivity and we hope he con­ tinues his fight for j truth and justice.

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How many times will these lines from the City” be sung at Christmas.

They go to the very heart of the Christian Jesus, God himself has shared human life, ment as well as its simple joys.

By his life he has given our lives meanir tion he has given us real ground for hope.

I am conscious that many people who hoping for very many years - hoping for r for some breakthrough by doctors, hopin will come after.

In a recent television programme callc cr spoke of the way God answers prayer: His answers are not always (he obvio have real faith to discover those ans' answer”.

As our thoughts turn to Bethlehem a' of God’s love, let us all draw streng redouble our efforts and our prayers fo May I wish all readers a happy and hope.

Cano.i Nicholas Frayling SRht

David’s good wishes FOUR NEW FACES JOINING: THREE new faces have joined the Asso­ ciation as sponsors.

Lord Carter, Lord Parry and Earl Russell, who have all spoken up in our defence, have joiend us and will continue to voice their views on our behalf.

Another new face is Professor Joseph Rotblat, who has agreed to become one of our medical advisers.

GOOD WISHES: May I take this opportunity of wishing ail members of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Associationa very Happy Christmas and a successful New Year.

I hope that 1992 will sec a culmination of your long-standing cam­ paign for elementray justice.

It remains a public scandal and a stain on the honour of this country that Servicemen who served their Queen and country should have been subjected to such shabby and unjust treatment.

Having been the first to raise the Test Veterans case in two Adjourn­ ment Debates in the House, nothing will give me greater pleasure than to see your efforts rewarded.

DAVID ALTON, MP.

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J What about compensation? j ■ VERNON Crcsscy of Manchester City Council Nuclear Policy unit, is still pursuing i J the Ministry of Defence about their proposed compensation scheme. ; I In August they wrote to him and said the Ministry was stillpursuing the possi- I | biloity of setting up a scheme designed to compensate registered radiation workers | ■ who might develop cancer attributed to their exposure to radiation.

1 * The letter from an MoD private secretary said talks were taking place with other ■ | departments, but so far no conclusions had been reached. \ | In October Mr Cressey wrote again saying he was concerned about the reference i J to "registered radiation workers”. ; I He has pointed out that the MoD’s original letter in February raised the prospect I | of a no fault compensation scheme, but made no reference to registered radiation I . workcrs.He has now asked for confirmation that nuclear test veterans would be eli- .

■ gible for consideration under the scheme currently being pursued.

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Thanks for all the hard work Jimmy SORRY: You will be sorry to leam that ill health has forced Jimmy Swan (South Yorkshire) to relin­ quish his post as rep­ resentative for that area.

Jimmy will be missed and we thank him for all his work, support and loyalty.

Look after yourself Jimmy.

He will be succeed­ ed by John Jones who served wirth 94 Company RASC on Christmas Island dur­ ing Grapple Z. We welcome John and with a little guid­ ance from Jimmy his term of office should be successful

carol “Once in Royal David’s faith because they tell us that in with all its pain and disappointg, and by his detah and rcsurrccwill read these words have been ^cognition of a just cause, hoping g for some security for those who j “After the Bomb”, Peter Flctchjs ones and sometimes we have to vers, but, as Peter said, “he does this time of year and the m iuracle ch from the Christian message and f this Association. blessed Christmas and a year full of

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A message to give you hope submit these couple of verses of PAUL Rowles from Chatham wants to fort and strength since becoming com scripture which, hesays, have given him a bom again Christian.

JOHN 14-27 16.33 The Lord Jesus said: Peace I leave with you, my peace I will give you. I do i not give to you as the World gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. . In this world I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.

Join in the study FOLLOWING the meeting with the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF), it was agreed that it would be useful to identify members with clinically diagnosed cataracts who are prepared to take part in a future study that is under consideration.

A questionnaire is currently being prepared by Dr R Cox and this will also outline the nature of

Get your medal Ken’s plea WANTED: Anyone who served on Operation Brumby at Maralinga in 1967 is asked to get in touch with Ken McGinley as quickly as possi­ ble. He’s waiting for your call.

GENERAL ELECTION 1992 WITH the General Election imminent, could we advise all members to get in touch with their MP’s and ask them personallyfor their support for veterans andfamilies during the new session ofParliament. Pleaseforward copies ofall their ! replies to Peter Fletcher.

MEDAL: The Australian Commemorative Medal, which was given for service in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Monte Bello, Emu Field, Maralinga, Maldem Island and Christmas Island, is still available from Down Under. To obtain one send a cheque or postal order for £25 (including post, insurance etc), made payable to P.G.Fletcher.

Thanks and goodbye Jack IT’S been a case of hello and goodbye for staunch friend and patron Jack Ashley MP. Jack wrote to us in November with a mes­ sage of support saying no group of men had waited so long for justice and none were more desreving than Nuclear Test Veterans. He went on to say: "The time is long overdue when the Govern­ ment should pay full and proper compensation to all the men who were damaged at the nucle­ ar tests.

"Some have already died and have been

denied justice. It would be even more shameful if the survivors were also denied it. The Gov­ ernment should meet its obligations before it is too late.”

Now it’s time to say goodbye and thanks to Jack because he has announced that he will be standing down at the next election and will therefore be leaving the House of Commons.

On behalf of everyone in the BNTVA, we wish him and his wife Pauline, a happy and peaceful retirement.

the proposed study, Depending on the numbers responding, the NRPB, ICRF and ourselves will discuss the matter further and select appropriate participants. The questionnaires will be available on request from me.

If you have clinically diagnosed cataracts and wish to participate in this study, write to Peter Fletcher, 134 Clipslev Lane, Haydock, St Helens, Lancs WA11 OVB (a s.a.e. would be appreciated).

f0 Widows Letter

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Welcome for our Aus Sir visitors THb date was October 24, 1991, when the phone nJ?S* Nvas m>' old friend Bill Plewright, president ol the Australian Veterans Association, to see he had just received word via the television, that the delegation of Aboriginies had just flown out of C anbena bound for London. And he wanted me to meet them on arrival.

On October 31. Andrew phoned me to offer thanks on behalf of Hughie and Barka for trawlling to meet them and to extend then creetinus to the BNTVA.

Hughie was bom at Kingoonya in 1928 and is a member of the regional council of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission which is the body that determines policy and funding prior­ ities for Aboriginal communities

Quickly 1 contacted our friend Jack Ashley MP, who got me the information needed. Subsequently 1 was able to phone their solicitor Andrew Collett a few hurs after their arrival in London.

He told me their meeting with the Earl of Arran seemed promising and they were told that the British Government was currently busy looking into the claims of the British Test veterans first.

Barka was born at Ooldea Mission in 1947 and his main language is Pitjantjatjara and he has held various positions in the community structure at Yalata and Oak Valley.

This all resulted in me travelling to London on October 29 where I met Andrew Collett, ad­ ministrator Archie Barton and :h* . . leaders of the tribes, Hughie Windlass and Barka Bryant I found the latter to be shy, retiring men who spoke very little and appeared lost and completely

NOTE: Hughie Windlass and Barka Bryant are traditional owners of the Maralinga Lands and this means that their forebears have lived on those lands for thousands of years. They wear red headbands which are traditional symbols of authority and both men were chosen by the Maralinga peo­

Andrew Collett is an Adelaide-based barrister who has worked to help the Maralinga community since 1984.

out ol place. However we had a chat and 1 was shown slides from the Maralinga area in question.

ON November 26, committee members Peter Fletcher, Mike Reid, Chris Rowlands and Mike Doyle, together with solicitor Mark Mil­ dred, met the NRPB team carrying out the review of the Test Partici­ pants Health Survey.

The meeting took place at their HQ in Berkshire and was chaired

by Dr Barbara MacGibbon, assistant director (medical), who recent­ ly joined the establishment.

She emphasised that they were keen to work with us to ensure the survey would be as accurate as possible.

Dr MacGibbon said the Prime Minister was taking a personal interest, but when questioned could not say whether this was Mr Major personally or No 1 Downing Street in general.

The next stage of the survey will remain broadly an update of incidence of cancer and cause of death as before, but they had pro­ posals to investigate other methods of detecting radiation damage more details follow.

The update will again look at records provided by the M.o.D. and we criticised the fact that people would not be contacted personally (a) to verify they were participants and (b) to record other illnesses which were non-fatal.

They advised us that it was not necessary (we begged to differ), was almost impossible and they did not have the resources and fur­ ther that they knew the effects of radiation from Hiroshima.

We pointed out that had the project been for market research, contacting 22,000 people would not have been a problem.

The results will be out “when we have finished" but it is unlikely to be early Spring as the Prime Minister previously stated in a letter on November 13 this year.

As a further survey the NRPB team are very keen to investigate a correlation between development of cataracts and the presence of radionuclides (accumulated particles) in the person’s teeth or scrap­ ings of tooth enamel.

Other work under consideration is the comparison of radionu­ clides in bone with controls - difficult, looking at the blood of peo­ ple with common “Test history" to those who have developed leukemias, and with very new technology or that being developed, to examine cltromosones and genes for damage.

Why the sudden burst of enthusiasm, who knows! □Please keep us up to date with any changes that might modi­ fy your health records as they stand now.

MIKE DOYLE

ple to represent their community.

PETER FLETCHER.

Bench helps keep memories alive y THE staff at the Royal Engineers Museum have kept alive the memory of Royal Engineers who served on tests, by dedicating a ben ch.

The bench has been sited at the museum in Brompton Barracks, Chatham, Kent, and the BNTVA was well represented at the dedi­ cation ceremony.

The bench was unveiled by one of our widows, Mrs Mary Jones, whose late husband Ken served in the RE at Monte Bello in 1952.

We would like to thank the staff for their kindness and con­ sideration in helping us in our struggle for recognition.

Those attending the event were: Peter Fletcher, Chris Rowlands, Ken Taylor, Derek Heaps (Mid­

lands). Paul Rowles (Chatham), Jim Cooper (Sussex) and 42 vet­ erans and widows.

The ceremony was covered by TVS and Peter Fletcher gave a short address to liter audience.

I would like to extend my thanks to Caroline Reed and my wife Pam for their invaluable assistance in organising the event and the catering.

In appreciation to all those who attended, bouquets were present­ ed to Mrs Jones and Caroline Reed by Peter and myself.

The London branch would like to take this opportunity of wish­ ing all BNTVA members a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Ken Taylor

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New medals to honsinur our brave soldiers DO you know whether you qualify for the National Service Medal or not?

Applications should be made to: Award Productions Ltd, PO Box 30, Haslemere, Surrey, GU26 6UT UK (Tel: 0428-607267). or get in touch with your local Royal British Legion.

In 1939 Parliament introduced the National Service Act asking men and women to be part of the service either within the regular service or as a civil­ ian within one of the many voluntary groups being formed.

The nation rallied and after World War 11, others were called to National Ser­ vice and served with pride, carrying the flag to the farthest corners of the globe.

By December 1960 when the National Service Act was abolished, some 5,300,000 young people had been con­ scripted into the armed forces.

To commemorate this period, the Royal British Legion has had a special medal struck, which can be worn with pride, not alongside campaign or gal­ lantry medals, but separately and dis­ tinctively.

Award Productions Limited have been invited to sponsor and produce this fit­ ting tribute and 10% of the total cost of each medal goes directly to the Poppy Appeal Fund.

• GENERAL Sir Anthony Farrar-Hockley, GBE, KCB, DSO, MXC, MLitt (Oxon) said of the awards:

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highly-polished cupro-nickel and each is ribboned and fitted with an individual brooch ready to wear and cased in a plush lined presentation case complete with the Royal British Legion emblem embossed on it.

The full size medal is only available to those who performed National Service both military and civilian between Jan­ uary 1939 and December 1960 or their next of kin.

Should there be any query regarding the applicants eligibility, the m atter will be referred to a scrutineering commit­ tee set up by the Royal British Legion and whose decision shall remain final.

The medal is struck in distinctive,

“Many of those called up saw active service in the Second World War, .Kore­ an War or post-war campaigns and were thus entitled to medals awarded by the Crown to mark their accomplishment.

“These apart, all those who gave a part of their lives to National Service will now be able to manifest this contri­ bution to the country’s defence with this new medal.”

Local Nuclear Free Zone been councils have approached for financial assistance by the local branch of the Medical Campaign Against Nuclear Weapons, so we can carry out a health study in the North East area.

At the time of writing, four councils have so far expressed their concern for people living in their con­ stituency ana have donated towards the study. We shall notify them of the results.

Tyne Tees Television, having heard of our efforts for a health study pro-

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NEWS FROM THE NORTH EAST This study is fronted by Danuta O’Neil who is a person selected by the Medical Campaign organisation to carry out the work. She will be assisted by their sci­ entists, medical specialists etc, and, of course, myself.

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“But not all Post-War operations qualified for such an award; others included notable events which were not specially commemorated.

Health study gets help A LOT of work has been carried out lately in the North East in trying to get the message across to the media and public alike regarding the many health problems that nuclear vet­ erans and their children are suffering as well as being denied an independent health study.

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gramme, kindly suggested that they could assist in doing a documentary high­ lighting the health prob­ lems of veterans and chil­ dren throughout the United Kingdom.

updated. This is because the work being carried out has kept me occupied and there has been very little time to spare.

Hope fully this will be remiaied soon.

This programme may have already been released by the time you read this and I only hope it has the desired impact on those it is targettea at - the Govern­ ment and the Ministry of Defence.

Finally, to all friends and members throughout the BNTVA, I send our best regards with the message:

To all my members, I would like to apologise for the delay in recent months for not keeping you all

“We fight on to the last.

Justice must be seen to prevail and we shall eventually achieve that.”

Ken Reid

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Plenty of activity THE Branch has had yet another sucessful time since our last report and we are now an

pleased he was to carry out this smaU task as nis brother-in-law had served at the Mar-

she is to give^extensive eye of our branch at no cost t

SsilmSS IsSssa gplsss Remembrance Service and the following parade.

At the closure the branch was presented with a plaque from the Royal British Legion, Wythenshawe.

I received the presentation from Commander Johnson RN| who told the assembly how

Just recently one of our members, Syd Fletcher (HM§ Narvik Monte Bello 19$2) went for a private eye test.

During questioning he revealed his involvement with atomic weapon testing and this has resulted in the optician now wanting to look deeper into the matter. So much so that

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with us (this I f®el.aPP^e^° getting to If you have had any problems gating w> our meetings, let us know ana we 1 can help. Our meetings are not ai aom an gloom.

Chris Rowlands

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OuccnsW*1?* leaving ^5n \ UK and Pn®;kln{, to meet ras wrote* s{Je wass in be \ lylcGUiley vvwn eteber ^cn so* I land and Few i \ waein^vaoted to 1 go«.to^Scni- 1

^HE Children of the Bomb documentary shown in October, and dealing with children of nuclear veterans throughout the country, showed some very startling and disturbing figures.

And it proved there was cause for alarm - verified by an eminent statistician, John Urquhart, who was involved with the Study conducted on the Sellafield children.

Also involved was Claire-Marie Fortin of the Centre for Industrial Safety and Health in LonVer comments were that "bells should ring somewhere that there is a real problem ^Wovi^vearecaWn^for a larger study conducted by an independent body and this is where

land she ®^n,uthori« 1 We need to be told, in full, the extent of your childrens health, both those conceived before Hon by ™ * to lunch b* \ and after your involvement with the Nuclear Test programme. was also “^u^toturned \ know of miscarriages, stillbirths, deformities, blindness, deafness and other illcouned Helens. She re™*\ nesses. In fact everything. ^Canberra full ol P«*lsc paIore^ *° °Uf chairman Ken McGinl^ ™ Walpole Place, Johnston, Renfrewshire h^dy°ue Ziiieb§ta sueedqUOte y0Ur membershiP number and if V°u d° not have one tell

SHEILA GRAY

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Loand behold, Lord Syd was told to go forth and give word to his tribe of nuke vets. Thus it came to pass that a meeting transpired between three Sheiks of the Nuke Vets tribe.

El Peter, El John, El Chris with the wise elders of the RBL tribe and the great Lord Syd, who had first ventured forth and started it all.

And so the mesage was sent to King Ken of the Nuke Vets Tribe who requested the scribe Sheila to pass the word throughout the land of Nuke Vets “Stand Up, Step Forth and Claim Your Pensions.”

And so for forty days and forty nights the Royal Mail mes­ sengers called on the tent of El Chris with lots of missives totalling 899, El Chris sorted these out and they were taken by fast camel to the land of Norcross, the home of the No No Tribe, for their consideration and, hopefully, success for the 389 Nuke Vets who actually made claims.

El Chris again sorted them out accompanied by El Peter and they travelled to the Land of Nelson, home of the Keepers of tne Records, to hand them in to the Chief Scribe of the tribe.

To be continued in next issue.....

CHRIS ROWLANDS

m HERE ARE ITHEY NOW? HERE’S ten smiling faces pictured right that we are trying to track down. Do any of you know them?

The men pictured on deck are Royal Engineers stevedores of the 10 Port Squadron who were on Christmas Island between 195759.

Two of them have been found, but are not members of the Association. They are George Grant and John Andy. We also have a name of one of the others - Gordon Boothroyd. One other might have been William (Bill) Sievwright, now deceased, from the Isle of Wight.

John Brewster from Southampton has made a list from memory of other men he is trying to trace. They are: CQMS More; Sgt Crockett, Sgt Slater (Guildford), Sgt Morris, Sgt Neal (Bir­ mingham), Sgt P Gerrard, Major M D Gallacher, Capt Wade, Lt Ford, Capt Pater­ son, Dvr Yeo (Guildford), Dvr Coomber (London), LCpI McKay (Scotland), Dvr Midwinter, Dvr Cook (London), LCpI East­ er and LCpI Lygo (Darlington).

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