christmas 2001

British Nuclear Test Veterans Association 92 All we seek is justice

Newsletter Christmas 2001

In this issue Chaplain’s Christmas Message

Chairman’s Report

Vice-Chairman’s Report

Secretary’s Report

Treasurer’s Report

Our Solicitor at Work

New Minister for Veterans Affairs

Christmas Island, Compensation?

Branch News

News & Announcements

Re-Union 2002

Memorabilia

Useful Ex-Service Organisation Telephone Numbers: , •

Sheila Gray

01642 559903

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Peter Fletcher 01744 29636 Ken Roberts

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01429 273392 ^ n»r«

Ian Greenhalgh

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01942 820202

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War Pensions Norcross 01253 858858

British Limbless Ex-servicemen's Association 0208 590 1124 Combat Stress 01372 841600 Mi nis try of Defence Veterans Advice Unit 08456 02 03 02 Royal Air Forces Association 0208 994 8504 Royal British Legion - Legion Line 0345 725725 Royal British Legion Scotland 0131 557 2782 Royal Naval Benevolent Trust 02392 690112 St Dunstans 0207 723 5021

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Disabled Benefits Unit National Help line 0845 7123456

SSAFA Forces Help 0207 403 8783

Medals The Nuclear Test Veterans Commemorative Medal for service in Japan, Monte Bello, Maralinga, Malden and Christmas Island is available. For details please contact Peter Fletcher MBE

SllflElain’s Christmas Message* Peace on Earth s write this, the campaign in Afghanistan is reaching its grisly climax, with who knows what consequences for our world? An c\ent like 11th September with its unforgettable television images concentrates people’s minds on issues of war and peace.

Your particular experiences have now been forgotten by most people, even if the 'brighter than double-daylight’ flashes of those explosions remain seared in your minds and hearts and, for many of you, your bodies. The 50th Anniversary of the sailings to Australia is nearly oil us.

1 his makes the Christmas Message of ‘Peace on Earth, goodwill to all people’ more critical than ever in our disordered world. We have to remember that Jesus Christ’s words are for all times and for all people. Take time in the excitement of the coming season to think about them, and perhaps to oiler your own prayer for peace and justice. With my good wishes and thoughts for you and your families at Christmas Nicholas Frayling Rector of Liverpool Chairman’s Report Christmas 2001 is almost upon us, so with no further ado I take this opportunity to wash you and yours a lovely Christmas time and hopefully a wonderfUl and Happy New' Year. May the year 2002 bring to fruition our long struggle for justice and pensions.

No doubt the horrific events on September 11th and the ensuing war against terrorism are uppermost in our minds. Let your thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of that atrocity and their families, also to our troops sent out to Afghanistan and other places of conflict.

We pray to God that they wall all return home soon, safe and sound.

Late in September our secretary took a well-earned holiday to friends in Poland. Unfortunately whilst there she took ill and had to remain there under medical supervision for nine weeks. Thankfully she is back at work for us.

While she was away invitations were received for Sheila and Sue Rabbit Roffto attend a conference in Paris concerning Nuclear Test Veterans in January' 2002, and to speak along with delegates from Australia, New’ Zealand, Fiji, USA, the Marshall Islands, Spain, and of course France. We have accepted and a full report will be given in our next newsletter.

Derek FI caps of our executive committee received advice from the East Midlands War Pension Committee that wre should try to meet with die War Pensions agency at Norcross Blackpool and discuss any changes in approach. On diis advice I wrote to the WPA and it w'as agreed we can meet wadi die Deputy Chief Executive of the WPA on 19th December 2001. Four of our committee will attend with me togedier with our solicitor, Ian Greenhaigh.

Garden of Remembrance 8th November 2001 Once again Ken Taylor and Don James organised our plot. It was a delight to know' that HM Queen Elizabeth die Queen Modier stopped and spoke to Ken and asked about the Association and w here Ken had served.

For die Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph on November 11* we ordered 70 tickets. 56 of us attended from all parts of the UK. Once again thanks are due to Ken, Don, and their waves Pam and Christine, for organising the wheelchairs and also the reeption after the parade.

The Association received good coverage on TV during the march past; as a result some people have contacted the RBL asking for details of how to join. My name was given and we have several new members

Ministry of Defence Minister for Veterans Affairs Responsibility for War Pensions lias been transferred from the DSS to MOD. Earlier this year I was invited to London to attend an open forum lor Veterans Affairs (see full report in Vice Chairman’s report) I was unable to attend due to ill health and John Lowe attended in my place. No doubt John will keep us informed as to any progress following tiie next meeting early next year.

Annual General Meeting Blackpool 2002 For the fourteenth consecutive year Blackpool Council Tourism Department has assisted us by providing a venue. Our grateful thanks go out to them and our friend Mrs Margaret Roffey for again booking ‘The Horseshoe Bar’ for our meeting.

Saturday 27th April 2002 Full details will appear in our Spring Newsletter To Jeff Liddiatt (ex RAF — Maralinga) I extend thanks on behalf of the whole of B.N.T.V.A to Jeff for his work and time in setting out and preparing our newsletter for printing. Many thanks Jeff Last but not least my own thanks to our committee, Sheila Gray, John Lowe, Ken Roberts, Derek Fleap, Derick Redfem Martin Blackburn and our solicitor lan Greenhaigh for their unselfish support and hard work. A group of people which make a wonderful team!

Peter Fletcher NIBE Chainnan

Vice Chairman’s Report On the 14th March 2001 the Prime Minister announced the appointment of Dr Lewis Moonic as the first minister of veterans affairs.

Dr Moonic claims to recognise that veterans have special needs and that his objective is to ensure real improvements to the support veterans currently receive.

To achieve this lie hopes to develop a partnership between government and veterans’ organisations. (As a result,) I was invited to a meeting of a cross section of veterans’ organisations, held in London on 16th October 2001.

At this meeting die minister and his colleagues presented their action plan, (which included such matters as accommodation, welfare, retraining, as well as pensions) so that veterans own priorities might be tailored to fit within their strategic themes.

Although little was achieved at this meeting, the veterans organisations let it be known that they were not dierc to be YES MEN and the minister went away “to think again about all dial he liad heard”.

The next meeting is in April 2002. Let us hope it is a little more constructive and a little less patronising.

John Lowe Vice Chairman

Treasurer's Report 1. Fees are due from the beginning of each Financial Year — this commences on the 1st January and ends on 31st December each year. The Fees are £10.00 for lull membership and £2.50 for associate membership. You will be sent a card as a receipt each year. On the card will also be an acknowledgement for any donations received. Most associate members pay £5.00 and I am grateful to receive this on behalf of the Association. With effect from the 1st January 2002 all associate members will be given a new number and card. Please destroy your old card — unless you wish to keep it for personal reasons. It is hoped that the majority of fees will be paid before the AGM in April. The practice of fees becoming due on the anniversary of your joining the Association is dispensed with immediately. The new' arrangement of fees becoming due on the 1st of January each year makes for a simple method of control and allows for forward planning.

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As you can see from the Financial Statement included in this Newsletter, the Association is in a far better position now' than it has been for many years. Our Business Reserve Account has been increased from the £167.25 that we took over in April 2000 to a current balance of £5621.92. The Current Account is the Cash Flow figure on the Financial Statement, so altogether a satisfying year. For this we must thank the Officers and Committee w'ho have been very' prudent in their claims for expenses.

At Uie beginning of the year, I wrote to all members who had not paid their fees for the last two years. This was from a total of 1789 members, from this I received 934 replies. We have on our books 2723 members, this means the old regime had the support of just 567 members. Who were paying all the financial commitments of the Association. The Vice Chairman and I agreed a cut off date for fees of the AGM — those w'ho do not pay by this date will be kept on the database lor statistical purposes only, w'hereas paid up members will receive the Newsletter and any information that becomes available.

Incidentally, only those with a current membership card are allowed to vote at any Association meeting. At the cut off date we found that we had 1501 members on the database/mailing list — this certainly will cut the drain on our resources. 'Phis means that we have a statistical list of 1222 members who have not paid possibly a large number through moving house and not passing on their new' address. Incidentally I did not include any overseas members in this exercise; I felt this would be too expensive. At the end of the day those with New' Membership Cards know' their position.

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Earlier this year I started a complete overhaul of our card index system. I thought I w'ould be able to complete it by the end of our financial year. This is now impossible but I hope to complete in time for the AGM. Though even this is not certain as I can only get a few hours each week at it. Have you ever started something, and wished you had left it to gather dust? — well that’s how I feel; none the less when it is completed it will give us information for the next 12 years.

I intend to “write off” some of the fixed assets of the Association, mainly because I do not know what they are, or who has possession of them. I have tried to get this information from our former chairman, Mr K McGinley but to no avail. He seems to have stuck his head in the sand like an Ostrich — and feels he cannot be seen. He has never replied to any of my letters and I am therefore passing this to our solicitor. If it is found that I have written off too much — then I can write it back on charge. I could not give a true Financial report to the members at the AGM without this action.

A' Roberts Treasurer

B.N.T.V.A Income & Expenditure January to November 2001 Expenditure Income 13.00 Comm Meeting 774.68 Fixed Assets 174.21 Tribunals 25.00 Poppy appeal 1638.28 Magazine 2241.98 Legal Fees 107.00 Chq Bounced 473.60 Telcphone/Fax 1274.22 Stationer}' 127.37 Sundries 0.00 Repairs 602.08 Purchase Goods 1117.86 Postage 321.02 Motor Expenses 335.30 AGM Expenses 250.00 Accountancy 5000.00 Transfer Prem.

20.00 Flowers/Wreath 138.00 Research Fund 318.50 Sale of Goods 152.19 West Mid A1C 200.00 Court — Kittsen 3038.53 Bal. B/Fwd 503.40 Raffles 391.50 Associate Members 10010.30 Membership Fees 6487.01 Donations 21239.43 Total Income Total Expenditure 14495.60 6743.83 Cash Flow 31.75% Cash Flow/Income (%) Note The cash flow figure is the amount at the end of November 2001 in our Nat West Current Account.

We have £5621.92 in the Business Premium account Treasurer What*s in a name We have on our Nominal Roll tw'o Fletcher’s — live Low'e’s — four Gray’s and fifteen Roberts’s just to mention your Executive Officers.

When we get down to Smith and Jones etc we have many more names that are the same — some with a similar Christian name and addresses not far apart. It takes a lot of time & eyestrain trying to ensure we have the correct member. However, each Membership Number is prefixed with the first letter of the surname, followed by your personal three-ligure number. For example Fletcher F001 & Lowe L002 this is the w'ay we can find you.

IT WOULD ASSIST THE OFFICERS GREATLY IF YOU COULD ALWAYS QUOTE THIS NUMBER ON ANY COMMUNICATION WHETHER WROTEN OR NOT. IT IS ALWAYS SHOWN ON THE FRONT OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD. USING THIS NUMBER SHOULD CUT OUT ANY MISTAKES

Secretary's Rrpnrt e have had a quiet period over the last months, nothing extra­ ordinary to report but this lull has given us time to re-organise our Association and the way it is run. I hope you are satisfied with the now smooth running but if not, you only have to tell us and we will try our best to accommodate any grievances.

It is just as well that things were quiet because, through no fault of my own, I have been incapacitated for the past nine weeks. I had to go to Poland at the end of September — partly work, partly pleasure as I do every' year and whilst there (actually the first day) l took ill and was only allowed to travel home at the end of November I lowever, I still managed to get our Association a couple of mentions in two Polish Newspapers plus my photograph (you have to sacrifice something for publicity)! Anyhow, to those of you who wrote to me whilst I was not here, I apologise for the delay in receiving replies. I arranged for my daughter to pass on my mail to other Committee Members to handle and I thank them all for their help. Also many thanks to those of you who learned that I had been ill and sent me their best wishes.

As lor tire latest NRPB study, I continued working with this and kept in constant touch with that whilst I was in Gdansk. I am still not satisfied — nor is Sue Roff— with what they want to publish as the final study. We will not give way until we are satisfied wre cannot push any further. As I said in one of my letters to them — with tire two previous reports, there wras so much dissatisfaction so let’s make sure this latest one is acceptable to all! So, it continues!

and for Ihcir descendants. We honour their contributions, service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States of America.

George IV Bush Our Solicitor at Work

Once again, Ian Greenhalgh, our Solicitor has done us proud. In the last few months he has won three cases and three deferrals which could also, possibly, be winners. I know the widows, who have been successful, arc very happy with the outcome Ian won for them. This makes over twenty cases that Ian and Sue Roff have won together in the past couple of years.

Cancer conditions, that have been successful, include cancer of the Pharynx; prostate; thyroid; stomach; pancreas; brain; as well as Non-Hodgkins disease, polycythemia and multiple myeloma. Non-cancerous conditions include cataracts and anxiety conditions.

If things continue like this, Ian says that he may be able, EVENTUALLY, to accept more cases. However, at the moment, there arc still about 30 cases in progress — so watch this space!

I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New' Year — let’s hope the coming year will bear fruit for us all.

Sheila Gray> (Mrs) Secretary

The following is a copy of a message sent from the President of the USA to Veterans who served with the USforces dining the first senes ofnuclear weapons testing.

The 3rd October 2002 marks the 50th anniversary ofGreat Britain successfully carrying out the testing ofherfirst nuclear weapon at the Monte Bello islands offthe North I Vest Coast of Australia.

1 wonder ifour Prime Minister will issue a similar message for October 3rd next year ???

Peter Fletcher MBE Chairman Message from the President of the United States of America The White House 25th June 2001 Fifty-six years ago the United States began testing weapons while the full effects of radioactive fall out on the human body were still unknown. From 1945 to 1963 groups of American servicemen were exposed to nuclear radiation near atmospheric nuclear test sites, sometimes marching onto ground zero. After the all clear signal, they stood at sites awash with airborne poison from the donation It is estimated that 200,000 Americans were subjected to unknown levels of radiation. An additional 195,000 members of our armed forces in Japan, who were either held as prisoners of war or served as part of the occupation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, were also placed at radiation risk.

Today, we know' the extreme sacrifices their service engendered.

Like troops wounded on the battlefield, they too have been wounded by the array of lethal medical conditions that sometimes take as long as 30 years to appear. More compelling is the fact that the effects of genetic damage can go undetected for generations. July 16th 2001 marked the birth of the Atomic Age, with 56th anniversary of’ Trinity shot” the first atomic detonation. I urge all Americans to remember the service of the men and women whom in their exposure as test subjects or otherwise, faced potentially deadly effects for themselves

OBITUARY It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Professor Edward Radford at the age of 79. He was one of our advisors for many years and it was an honour to have him to help us.

For many years he was vilified because of his stance on low level radiation being dangerous, but he bore these jibes without rancour and was eventually able to celebrate the vindication of his conclusions.

Our deepest condolences go to his widow and children.

He will be sadly missed Sheila Gray (Mrs) Secretary

Branch News London & Kent Branch On ITiursday 8th November MM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother opened the Garden of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey she was accompanied by HRH the Duke of Kent, thanks to everyone who attended the opening. It was good to see so many Veterans and Widows representing the B.N.T. V.A. at the Remembrance Day Parade at Whitehall. Amongst our group were children of four members, they were Dree & Adam Downie, Martin Blackburn and Carlton Wood. Our special thanks go to Don, Christine and the staff of '1 he Speakers’ for the way they looked after us both on Thursday & Sunday “ You did us proud”. The next branch meeting will held on Saturday 9th March 2002 at The Royal Engineer’s Museum Brompton Barracks Gillingham Kent. If anyone needs help with transport please contact 020 855 52644. If you intend to attend meetings please advise on the same number. Both Pam and myself send you all Best Wishes for Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

Ken Taylor Manchester Branch At a meeting held on 2nd September, the Branch discussed a paper by Mr Gordon Sharp, (circulated at the AGM) in which he advocated more direct action than is currently the case.

After a lengthy discussion during which many different points of view' were expressed, it was agreed that the Association should continue on its present path in securing pensions etc. It was considered to be sufficient commitment for the Executive Committee in its present form. However, it was considered that the members themselves did not take sufficient action to raise the profile of tire Association, and that until we were all prepared to stand together and be counted, we could not achieve all our objectives.

Any direct action must be organised at branch level, and branches will not function unless members are willing to organise themselves and not leave everything to somebody else. Will we hear more on this subject at the next AGM? Branch meetings are held at “The Lass of GowTie Brew' House Charles Street Manchester” on the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December All Veterans from the North West arc most welcome to attend.

John Lowe East Midlands Branch Although we do not meet anymore due to dwindling numbers (We used to meet monthly with 20 — 24 members. As Veterans passed away we found it difficult to amass any more than 8.) We still keep in touch with each other on a regular basis with a ‘Ring around’. If anyone hears a snippet of news we pass it on by telephone.

Derek Heaps continues to assist at Veterans Tribunals on a regular basis at different places all over the country’.

Mavis Gardiner and I go annually on Remembrance Sunday to place a wreath on our Commemorative Plaque in the Leicester’s’ peace walk. We place our wreath after the official civic ceremony at the War Memorial. The salute and the march past take place at the peace walk. When we are placing our wreath wre are often asked to explain about our stone and what it stands for. On behalf of us all at East Midlands Branch I wish to send all Veterans, Widow’s and families A Happy Christmas and Healthy New’ Year.

Marilyn Hall Portsmouth Branch The Portsmouth Branch continues to meet at the Ex-Servicemen’s club in Fratton Road Portsmouth. The meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month except in December when we have our Christmas meal in a different venue.

We have about 12 regular members who attend the meetings. We actively support die B.N.T. V.A by attending the Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph in London and the AGM. We locally bring

the Association to public attention by holding our annual Memorial; service in Portsmouth Cathedral, this is arranged by our local Chairman Les Gosling. We are just about able to fund ourselves through the monthly raffle and occasional donations by individuals.

At our last branch meeting, the following statement was made “We should give our thanks to the Executive Committee for putting us (die Association) back together after a bumpy ride”. In response the Chairman requested that a copy of the statement be sent in for publication in the next Association’s Newsletter. This statement was fully endorsed by all those present at the meeting.

Norman Aplin Risca South Wales At Risca we held our 7th annual parade on the first Sunday in October. The parade, lead by the Newport Baden-Powell Band marched to the Cenotaph where the commemorative Stone is placed.

Father Alan Williams lead the service, wreaths were laid by Peter Williams, Mrs Gronwen Williams, The Chairman of Caerphilly County Borough Council Angus Donaldson, The MP for Ishvyn Don Touhig, St John Ambulance and die Baden Powell Band. Tliis was followed by a march past; the salute was taken by Angus Donaldson, Don Touhig MP and Councillor Stan Jenkins. Refreshments followed in the Top Club. Anyone wishing to take pail in the next parade please contact Stan Jenkins on 01633 614963 or Peter Williams on 01558 822141 Stan Jenkins 80th Anniversary of the RBL at Llandudno Sunday 19th August 2001 It was a well organised event and I wish to thank Peter Bullen for the hard work he did in contacting the North Wales Veterans To start, everybody assembled at St IIlyd Church. A rough count estimated that there were 60+ Standards present and amongst them was our own Welsh B.N.T. V.A Standard carried by John Williams from Mid Wales. After the Church Service, those who could formed up in tw'o columns, which then inarched through the town to the Cenotaph, where a short service was held the parade then marched back through the town where the salute was taken by the dignitaries present. The march finished at the RBL Club where a buffet was served. Although the weather was terrible (keeping dry as we marched was difficult) we had a good turn out for which we thank all those who attended.

A.P. Williams South Wales Representative Humberside Branch It has been quite an uneventful period over the last few months for this branch ot the Association. One ol our members, Trevor Butler had several months in hospital and I am pleased to report that he is slowly on the mend. You can’t keep a good man down! We hold our meetings at the local RAPA Club on die fourth Tuesday of each month at 19.45 hrs. Please attend regularly to keep up with the news.

The Executive Committee is doing an excellent job; at long hist we all seem to be pulling in the same direction. The Association has never been in such a good financial position, thanks Ken you are doing a great job. I am glad that Sheila Gray has made it home from Poland. I’m sure that everyone wishes her a speedy recovery.

I am looking forward to seeing old friends at die AGM. In die meantime All at Humberside Branch wish you all A Very’ Happy Christmas and A Very' Prosperous New' Year Tom Kiching

MVest & North Yorkshire Branch Wally Holdsworth here, I have been trying very hard to keep the Hock together since we lost our meeting place (the exservicemen’s Club has been put up for sale) Leeds City Council listened to our plea and allowed us to use a room at die Civic Hall, rent free! Brian Gay our branch secretary and myself were invited by Leeds City Council to join die Peace and Emergency Planning Unit at the Civic Hall. A vote was passed at Leeds City Council for a white paper to die demanding recognition and compensation for die We have always had a very good relationship with the local press in Leeds, plus we are now winning over the TV stations. Our best piece of news is that we have been recognised by the Royal Armouries in Leeds, who have plans for the future in which die B.N.T.V.A. will play a strong part.

Its nice to hear diat Sheila Gray our National secretary is back on her feet. Hie Branch and I send you our best wishes, please take care of yourself Sheila. Also, it’s so nice to see diat the Executive Committee has settled in and is doing a fine job and sending out to the membership a signal of strength and unity once more.

I hank you mid best wishes to you all Wally Holdsworth

income support — and if it is granted, I will be able to cany out some research, with help from suitable medical and scientific exports, at no costs to die members of the B.N.T.V.A. I can then bring in other veterans who qualify for legal aid and ultimately — when the evidence is strong — I can approach an insurance company to fund diose who are not eligible for legal aid (or whose contribution to legal aid would to high).

You probably know that another solicitor, Andrew Taylor, has done an enormous amount of work on your cases already. I would hope to use that work and build on it. That work might possibly be enough to support an application for legal aid for children and grandchildren of veterans, who suffered symptoms which may well have been caused by the original exposure to radiation, especially spina bifida.

If you think you would qualify on financial grounds for legal aid, please get in touch with Derick Redfem, who will note down your details and pass them on to me, Tel: 01637 879048 I hold out no promises, except that I will try my best to extract some compensation from the Ministry of Defence tor you all.

With best wishes

Our member Derick Rcdfcrn is currently dealing with a solicitor regarding the possibility of a claim for compensation against the Ministry of Defence.

He has requested that the following letter from the solicitor concerned should be published in the newsletter, to enable members to join in if they wish.

We should emphasise that this is not an action being considered by the Association, as the main thrust of our fight has always been for recognition for all our members in the form of pensions.

The course of action suggested in the letter is not something the Association can support and members should make their own decisions.

Further information about this can be obtained Derick Rcdfern as mentioned in the letter.

Peter Fletcher Chairman

CHRISTMAS ISLAND Can We Get Compensation?

Mv name is Peter Bright, and I am a solicitor who spends all his time acting for people who want to combine their efforts to sue large organisations — these are known as Multi-Party Actions.

I am well aware that other lawyers have tried to get compensation for you and that they have tailed. So why is it worth my even considering investigating your claims?

Two matters have changed since the last attempt was made. Hie first is that Sue Rabbitt Roff has published a further report, which lakes the scientific evidence forward significantly, and further helpful evidence has emerged about the Ministry' of Defence's attitude to the troops at the time of the tests.

The second is that the altitude of the Ministry' of Defence towards claims for events, which happened a long time ago seems to have softened.

Nevertheless, there would be formidable problems involved in bringing claims to court, and there is no point in playing them down.

Any investigation of your claims would inevitably take a long time My plan is to apply for legal aid for a few of you — those who quality for legal aid with financial contribution because they are on

Peter Bright

B.N.T.V.A. Memorabilia £12.00 Each Blazer Badges £6.00 Each Head Scarf/Squares £6.00 Each Association Tie Cuff Links (Just Mushroom Cloud) £5.00 Pair Tie Slide (Just Mushroom Cloud) £2.50 Each £2.50 Each Lapel Badges £2.50 Each Leather Key Fobs Hand Painted Acrylic Car Badges £10.00 Each c/w fixings for car front grill Item 1 is on order; an order for 10 has been placed by the Treasurer. The Treasurer has seen a sample We can also order Hand Painted Wall Plaques of the B.N.T.V.A. badge subject to a minimum order of 25. They will cost about £25.00 Each Hand made wire and silk pennants using the B.N.T.V.A. badge design in the centre with gold fringe, rod finials & tassels at £20.00 Each.

Delivery six weeks from ordering by the Treasurer.

REUNION 1952 — 2002 HMS Zeebrugge

71 Field Squadron

HMS Narvik

Royafi Engineers It was Tuesday February 19th 1952 when the two Tank Landing craft of the Royal Navy, HMS Zecbrugge and I IMS Narvik, set sail from Portsmouth bound for Australia and the Monte Bello Islands. On board were men of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Engineers, and some men from R.E.M.E. & A.C.C. The equipment on board was to be used by the servicemen sailing on the ships to prepare, test and witness the first atomic test carried out by the United Kingdom.

For the past ten years, a Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving has been celebrated in Portsmouth Cathedral. It has always been held on the nearest Saturday to the 19th of February. Next year 2002 marks the 50,h Anniversary of the sailing.

The Precentor of Portsmouth Cathedral, The Rev. Canon G J Kirk, Our Chaplain Rev. Canon Nicholas Frayling, Portsmouth Branch Representative Lcs Gosling, Portsmouth Branch Secretary Norman Aplin and myself are organising the Special Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Sailing. This service will be held on Saturday 16,h February 2002 in Portsmouth Cathedral. Wreaths and flowers will be laid at our Memorial Stone by Veterans and Widows to remember those of our Association who have passed to higher service. After the service refreshments will be served.

Those of us who sailed on those ships are now in our late sixties and early seventies. We are all getting a little long in the tooth but let us try to hold 50th Anniversary Re-Union Party!" It would be a wonderful experience for us to meet comrades not seen for 50 years.

Many of those who attend this service stay at the Portsmouth Royal Sailors’ Home Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth, telephone number 023 928 2423 1. There are of course plenty of Hotels and Guest Houses in the Portsmouth & Soulhsea area. Should you wish to stay then early booking is advised. More details can be obtained from Les Gosling on 023 926 14673 or by contacting me.

Peter Fletcher Chairman T

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Portsmouth Cathedral

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(Also known as the Sailors Beacon, % For centuries the lantern above the cupola of them Cathedral has been the first sight of home that 1 Sailors have seen on their return to Portsmouth)M

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BRITISH NUCLEAR TESTS VETERANS ASSOCIATION 1992 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Peter Fletcher MBE ‘Monte Bello’ 134 Clipsley Lane Haydock St Helens, Lancs WA11 OUB Tel/Fax 01744 29636

VICE CHAIRMAN

SECRETARY

John Lowe 45 Sheldrake Road Broadheath Altrincham Cheshire VVA14 5LJ

Sheila Gray (Mrs) 11 Grosmont Drive Billingham Cleveland TS23 2EP

Tel/Fax 0161 941 2164

Tel/Fax 01642 559903

treasurer

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close Seaton Care Hartlepool Cleveland TS25 IDG Tel/|Fax 01429 273392

Derick Red fern 32 St Aubyn Crescent Newquay Cornwall TR72RQ

Derek Heaps 4 Bakewell Drive Castle Donnington Derby DE7 2NF

Tel/Fax 01637 879048

Tel

01332 811429

CHAPLAIN

SOLICITOR

Canon Nicholas Frayling Rector of Liverpool Liverpool Parish Church Old Churchyard Liverpool L2 8TZ

Ian Greenhalgh LLB Unit B Worthington Way Manis Bridge Wigan WN36XE TEL: 01942 820202

NON-EXEC CHILDREN'S REPRESENTATIVE Martin Blackbuni 154 Astley Street, Tyldeslcy, Manchester M29 7AX TEL: 01942 887566

BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES Noel Hendy (Cornwall) 2 Bowdens Row West End Redruth Cornwall R15 2TS Tel/Fax: 01209214814

Tom Kitching (Humberside) 5 Ellerby Grove Preston Road Hull HU9 3PR

Ken Taylor (London) 7 TurleyClose Stratford London El5 3JD

Tel: 01482 793082

John Lowe (Manchester) 45 Sheldrake Road Broadheath Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5LJ Tel: 0161 941 2164

Marilyn Hall JP (East Midlands) 33 Shetland Road Leicester LE4 6RS

Tel:

Peter & Gron Williams (S Wales) 27 Heol Myryddin Ffairfach Llandeib South Wales SA19 6PD Tel:

020 855 52644

01558 822141

01162 251783

Pat Hurley (Milton Keynes) Les Gosling (Portsmouth)

Jim McGowan (Scotland)

24 Caxton Road Old Wolverlon Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK12 50PG Tel: 01908 313024

125 Whitburn Street Camtyne Glasgow

Wally Holdsworth (West Yorkshire) 11 Foundry' Walk Leeds

West Sussex Branch This branch is at present being reformed

49 Lincoln Road Fratton Portsmouth Hampshire POl5BG Tel: 023 926 14673

G32 6RP Tel: 0141 778 6954

Tel:

West Yorkshire LS8 3PZ Tel: 0113 2946149

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This is yoyr Newsletter

REPORTING A DEATH

Have you an article you would like to share with the other members?

Sadly, we must remind you of the procedure for reporting a death to us. We know it is hard when death occurs but it is very important that we are told, as soon as possible.

Have you seen a report or story in the local or national press, which you would like to share?

Is there an old friend or churn you are trying to find?

Do you have an experience with officialdom that you would like to share with others?

Do you have a question you have been trying to find the answer to concerning your service life?

If the answer is yes to any of the above, then send in your questions and articles for inclusion in the next NEWSLETTER Send Copy to Sheila Gray Secretary or Peter Fletcher MBE Chairman **Next newsletter will he the spring edition, copy to be in by the 1st March 2002

EITHER RING OR WRITE TO Sheila Gray, Secretary, so that she can inform the Branch representative if there is one — and if the family wish it, try and arrange for someone from the Association to attend the funeral.

This is not always possible.

It is also vitally important that Sheila is sent a copy of the death certificate for our records.

We also ask if a member of the family will take over the membership of the deceased because in that way, he will always remain ‘one of us’ and the family member can continue his fight for justice. Sheila will require the name and address of the person willing to take over the membership.

We wish we could say tills notice is unnecessary but unfortunately it is.

Where are they now?

Special Discount of 10% Off Funeral Directors Fees for Members of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association.

PRE-PAYMENT PLAN ALSO AVAILABLE For Further Information Please Telephone

0161-881-2212 When you need us. we’ll be there

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John McIntosh writes to ask where colleagues stationed at RAF Maralinga MT Section with during Operation Buffalo 1956 are?

Do you remember john? He was at Maralinga from July to November 1956 John returned to the UK on the SS Orontes. If you remember John please contact him on 01788 561311 or write to him at 20 Welland Close Long Lawford Rugby Warwickshire CV23 9SX If you wish to contact old service colleagues please send in the details

Can You Help Mrs S M Moulton 45 Lawrence Road Hove East Sussex BN35QE Is fighting her case for widows pension and would like to speak to anyone who can remember her late husband Ray Mouton who served in the Royal Navy. If any of you can remember Ray please contact Mrs Moulton as soon as you can