easter 2002

British Nuclear Test Veterans Association 92 All we seek is justice

Newsletter Easter 2002

In this issue Chaplain’s Easter Message

Chairman’s Report

Vice-Chairman’s Report

Secretary’s & Paris Report

Treasurer’s Report

Solicitors Report

AGM Notice

Constitution Amendment

Nesa News

Branch News

Christmas Island Reflections

Portsmouth Report

Golden Jubilee Medal

Personal Notices

Grateful Thanks

Useful telephone numbers Sheila Gray

01642 559903

Peter Fletcher 01744 29636 Ken Roberts

01429 273392

Ian Greenhalgh 01942 820202 War Pensions Norcross 01253 858858 Disabled Benefits Unit National 0845 7123456 Help line

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, best wishes, cards, letters, phone calls and visits during the last few weeks, whilst I have been in hospital. You have been splendid and I could not ask for better friends.

I cannot say that I am better ‘healthwise’ but knowing so many of you are thinking about me has made me keep going and I thank you all very, very much for your support. You never know I might just make it to the AGM and hopefully, if I dofI will see you all there! Again, thank you all so very much.

Peter Fletcher MBE — Chairman

Atomic Commerative Medals covering service in Japan, Monte Bello, Maralinga, Emu Field, Malden Island and Christmas Island Available form Peter Fletcher Monte Bello,

Peter Fletcher MBE 134 Clipsley Lane, Haydock, Lancashire. WA110UB Tel/Fax : 01744 29636 @ £25 each inc p.p.

St Helens

cheque payable to Peter Fletcher 1

Easter Message from our Chaplain % Easter is the Great Christian Festival. These days most people go for Christmas, with its simplicity and innocence. Easter is made of sterner stuff — torture, a cross, a grave and the mysterious sequel: the empty tomb and the promise of eternal life. Not so easy to grasp as a baby in a stable! But is it important, just as that baby grew up and changed the world, that our faith should grow up too, and not remain in that stable.

As I write this I have returned from Portsmouth. Where I was able to lead the very moving 50th Anniversary Service in the Cathedral. I have just listened to a half hour documentary The Cancer Bomb on BBC Radio 5 live, in which many of the old fables about protective clothing, concern for servicemen’s safety etc were recycled.

What is the link between Easter and the Association’s continuing campaign for recognition and justice? It is of course HOPE. It is not easy to keep hope alive in the face of ridicule, denigration and impatience. Jesus knew a bit about that — and he responded with these words: ‘In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world’.

A happy and hope-full Easter to all Nicholas Frayling Liverpool Parish Church Chairman’s Report 1952 - 2002 This year marks the Golden Jubilee of our Gracious Queen Elizabeth H It goes without saying we all wish and pray that Our Queen may long reign over us, God Save the Queen.

1952 - 2002 also marks the 50th year since we joined the world super powers, along with the USA and, the then, USSR, by becoming a nuclear power. This was achieved through the successful 'Operation Hurricane', conducted on the Monte Bello Islands on 3 October 1952. Remember that date, 3rd OCTOBER 2002 - start now to organise Services of Remembrance and Thanksgiving at our Memorial Stones, which are placed in Liverpool, Portsmouth, Leeds, Paisley, Manchester, Leicester, Birmingham, Risca, Billingham and Blackpool. Contact your local Clergy and ask them to officiate — invite local dignitaries and MPs — notify the Press, radio and TV! In fact — notify the whole country that nuclear test veterans are still around and that 3rd October 2002 is “Nuclear Veterans Day”! The Government refuses to acknowledge it - So We Will Should you feel you need help or advice for this special day, please

seen each other for 49 years. It was both delightful and emotional!

Hopefully, we will all meet again at our AGM. To those of you who have ordered the Atomic Commemorative Medal, I do sincerely apologise for the delay but this is due to the Australian Manufacturers failing to meet the order on time.

Dear members - do your best to attend the AGM. It is well worth it, if only to have the chance of meeting up with old friends and comrades.

Finally, my thanks go to all of our Committee for yet another year of sterling hard work but more so to our Secretary, Sheila Gray and our Treasurer, Ken Roberts, many, many thanks to you all.

Best wishes to you all.

Peter Fletcher MBE- Chairman ______________________ Vice Chairman’s Report On Sunday 17 February 2002, a Service and Act of Remembrance, commemorating the sailing of the Task Force which was to take part in Britain's first nuclear weapons test, was held at the Leeds Parish Church. I was pleased to attend to represent those of you who were unable to be there.

In attendance were the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress, plus members of the Press and TV along with many Standards from Branches of the British Legion. All were given a very warm welcome.

During the Service the 'Story of the First Test' was recounted by Geoff Druett, Presenter of Calender - Yorkshire TV. The Sermon was presented by The Rev Professor Nigel Biggar, Lecturer of the Parish of Leeds City, who took as his theme our motto, 'All we seek is justice'. He expanded on the different types of justice and how we needed to forgive but were unable to do so until people were prepared to admit that a wrong had been done.

Immediately following the Recessional Hymn, the congregation followed the Clergy directly to the BNTVA Memorial Stone where the Act of Remembrance was conducted. After this Ceremony the Linthwaite Band lead the Choir, the Colours, the Lord Mayor, the Clergy and the congregation, through the streets to the Royal Armouries. A brief Reflection was led by the Master of the Armouries, Guy Wilson. To complete the day, light refreshments were provided for all by the Royal Armouries.

Wally Holdsworth, the W Yorks Representative, must be congratulated upon his organisation of this day's events, which did the Association proud.

John Lowe - Vice-Chairman Treasurer’s Report Well what a year! Due to the support of the Executive Committee, not to mention just a little work on my side, we have carried on where we left off in the year 2000.

contact me - and I repeat - start planniil2 now!

It has, again, been my honour and privilege to organise our AGM at Blackpool - Saturday 27 April 2002 - see the SPECIAL NOTICE in this Newsletter. Our grateful thanks go to Blackpool Tourist Council, Mrs Margaret Roffey and her staff, for their continued support and generosity. The following day, Sunday 28 April, is our Church Service at the Salvation Army Citadel, followed by - weather permitting - our Parade into the Town Centre led by The Salvation Army Band and Standards. It has been some time since we were able to parade ALL of our Standards at the same time. Should appointed Standard Bearers be unable to attend and Parade, then please pass the Standard over to someone who IS attending.

Our Annual Portsmouth Cathedral Service was well supported and a report about it is covered by the Portsmouth Branch news within these pages. However, I would like to add how grateful we are to our Pompey Branch' for bringing together some of us who hadn't

Our financial state, in the short time the new Officers have been in office, has gone from dire to rosy! We are not finished yet —it is my opinion that had the control of finances been greater in the past, we would have been able to fund our own research into our ailments! It may be that it is closing the door after the horse has bolted — but W'e must keep this up and develop more financial security.

I want to thank the members and the associate members for rallying round and showing their faith in the officers and as such, faith in the aims of the Association, by supporting us with your sending in of fees. As you can see from the income and expenditure account attached, they have been wisely spent. This year, 2002,1 expect an even better picture to emerge. Also, there are expenses we have incurred to date, which will not require repeating this year.

The actual accounts are still with the Accountant but I do not expect them to come back any different than when I submitted them at the beginning of the year. I have instructed them to ‘write off all the previous Fixed Assets to the value of £741.78 during this past year

and we have a true record of where they are for future reference. At the end of 2001 we had no sundry Creditors and only one (In my opinion it should be two) sundry Debtor, this being W Kittsen who still owes the Association, at the end of 2001, £879 which is being paid back at a rate of £20 per month.

One member has stated, and I agree with him, tliat the introduction of new membership cards for each year, with acknowledgement of any donations made, was a good step. However, he would like to see the new cards both for Members and Associated Members being the size of a credit card. This way they would readily fit a wallet or purse.

Why didn’t we think of that in the first place! It makes sense and with the approval of the Committee, which I cannot see them refusing, it is my intention to introduce this for the 2003 Financial Year — of course that is, presuming we are re-elected!

Now this concerns OVERSEAS MEMBERS and BELIEVE IT OR NOT — I do not mean the Ripley’s Arcade Show at Blackpool or the Sky TV show — but our own bank. The bank will no longer cash overseas cheques for the equivalent amount of our fee of £10.00.

They inform me it is not enough for them to cover their cost of changing the cheque. For some time the Association has received very little from these cheques. Cheques are usually the safest part of accounting. It goes against all my accounting experience, however, I NOW APPEAL TO OUR OVERSEAS MEMBERS TO SEND CASH! in payment of their fees. If it is sterling — great, but if it is another currency, then at the moment, the Post Office is changing currency at face value, which means I can convert the cash before banking. I trust that in my report to the members at the AGM, I will not only be able to show continued progress — but an even more amazing turn around in the Association’s finances.

Ken Roberts -Treasurer B.N.T.V.A Income & Expenditure January to November 2001 Expenditure Income 3038.53 Balance B/Fwd Comm Meeting 43.00 741.78 Fixed Assets 174.21 Tribunals 179.95 Printing 50.00 Poppy appeal 1774.28 Magazine 1550.00 Legal Fees 85.00 Chq Bounced 578.07 Telephone/Fax 1136.66 Stationery 196.79 Sundries 29.38 Repairs 605.08 Purchase Goods 1244.28 Postage 147.09 Motor Expenses 375.05 AGM Expenses 250.00 Accountancy 691.98 Court Costs 5000.00 Transfer Prem.

20.00 Flowers/Wreath 318.50 Sale of Goods 152.19 West Mid A/C 177.00 Plymouth Branch 220.00 Court — Kittsen 503.40 Raffles 396.50 Associate Members 10209.51 Membership Fees 6510.30 Donations 21511.93 Total Income Total Expenditure 14872.60 6639.53 Cash Flow 30.86% Cash Flow/Income (%) s

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Treasurer

Subscriptions The most popular question asked of committee members these days is ‘When arc my subs due’? Let me clear this up, one more time. It was decided at our AGM last year, that subscriptions will be paid from l3t January each year, commencing this year, 2002 and BEFORE each AGM, except, of course, for new members joining after that date. However, their next subscription will be due the following January, the same as all other members.

The Annual subscription is £10.00 per annum.

Associate Members subscription is a minimum of £2.50 per annum or more if they wish.

They too should be paid from the 1st January each year.

All should be made payable to BNTVA 1992 and sent to the Treasurer Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close Seaton Carew Hartlepool Cleveland TS25 1 DG. Secretary’s Report I do not normally write a 'Secretary's Report' as all the information I have is covered by the articles in our Newsletter. However, this year, we have lost so many of our dear men, too many to name individually, that I wanted to again give our condolences to the families that have been left behind. They may have left us physically but they will never leave our thoughts.

I also want to say how pleased we are to welcome so many new members to our fold over this past year, both from this country and overseas; you are all most welcome.

Finally, I want to pay tribute to our Chairman, Peter Fletcher MBE (a decoration truly deserved). As many of you may know, he is not a 'well man', but this has not stopped him from more than fulfilling his duty to our Association, as did those who attended the Ceremony at Portsmouth, as Peter, can vouch for. Indeed, as I write this, he is back in hospital with the 'threat' of this latest visit being a long one. It has not stopped him working; he keeps in constant touch with me and continues to 'guide and keep us on the straight and narrow’ from his sick bed, as he does when he is ill but still at home! I am proud to know him and be classed as his 'friend'. I do not want to embarrass him but if there were more people like him, this world would be a better place!

Sheila Gray - Secretary Paris Conference 18 - 22 January 2002 By invitation, I attended the Conference and found it very worthwhile and interesting. There were approx 300 people in attendance, ten of which speakers. It was organised by tire French Nuclear Veterans Association, which came into being, on I June 2001 and has about 400 members. Their last test took place on the 16th February 1966. Need I say, they have the same illnesses as our men!

In attendance, the speaker delegates were from — France, USA, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, myself representing the UK and Senator Lyn Allison from Australia.

Everyone had a similar story to tell and so could understand what each other was suffering.

Friday 18th was the day we all arrived and we held a casual meeting in the evening so that we could meet each other.

Saturday 19th was the day of the full Conference which lasted from 9am until 6pm. We were all allowed fifteen minutes to speak — our papers had gone ahead for translation — then there was a Question Time afterwards for those attending as observers. It was a very moving day and there was only one incident of discord when one of the audience (we later learned that he was a ‘high up’ in the French Nuclear Industry) stood up and told everyone that there had never been a mistake made! Many people took umbrage to this and at first

he was nearly evicted from the hall. However, everyone calmed 5 down after I thanked him for confirming what wc all knew — that what had been done to our men was deliberate. I was thanked for pointing this out to him. When it came to question time he again 4 tried to cause trouble but tire Chairman of the Conference soon put him in his place again!

Sunday 20th A meeting was held in the morning, chaired by Senator Lyn Allison. It was decided that we would all remain separate in our own organisations but that a communal information bank would be set up so that we could share information. We decided that the title should be ‘Paris International Nuclear Test Network*. It is also the intention that regular meetings should be held so that each group can report its work and progress and in between, maintain close contact.

cannot go any further. We have been informed they are hoping to publish their findings by the end of spring - we will sec. At our request, they have offered to 'meet* with our members, after the publication so that 'questions can be put' and 'explanations’ given.

We will consider whether a meeting would be worthwhile when the time comes.

Sheila Gray - Secretary

SOLICITOR - STATE OF PLAY We are all shortly to be gripped by World Cup fever and in that spirit, felt it appropriate to bring everyone up to date in relation to the Appeals that have been ongoing over recent months.

In the afternoon we were all taken for a sightseeing cruise on the River Seine which was very enjoyable.

In true footballing style, the current, half time score is: Ian Greenhalgh 12 - War Pensions Agency (WPA) 1, or to put that in league table format: -

Monday 21st was partly a free day because we had been talking at various small meetings ever since we arrived, but another small meeting was held later in the afternoon. We were taken to Montmartre for dinner in the evening.

Team Ian Greenhalgh

Tuesday 22nd we were invited to attend the National Assembly to meet two French MPs and also hold a press conference. These MPs were going into Parliament on Wednesday 23rd January, to ask the French Government to pay for Blood and Saliva tests on their veterans. It was a good Press Conference and everyone had time to put over their own special points. There was one journalist that I knew because she had come over here last year, to interview other veterans, Tom Wilson, and myself for French TV. She remembered me and came over and reminded me of this.

I left for the UK at 15.35hrs, absolutely exhausted but felt it had all been worthwhile.

Once again we have to thank Sue Rabbitt Roff for the initial invitation. When she was in Tahiti last summer, she had ‘told about us’ and that had caught their interest Sue was going to attend with me but unfortunately, because of family problems, she had to cry off at the last moment — she was sorely missed.

Derrick and Ann Redfem at the last moment decided to drive over to Paris so that they ‘could look after me’ because my health is still causing problems. I was very pleased to have their company and they were a great help to me as my ‘mobility is still a bit of a problem’ — thank you Derrick and Ann, very much. It is good to have friends like you!

I can confirm that the Fijian Government started paying out War Pensions as from the 31st January this year. The Fijian delegate was Paul Aphoy who is the Vice President of their organisation and a delight to speak with. Also, most pleasant and friendly, were the Tahitians. I am hoping we have made some good new friends.

It was good meeting, at long last, with Roy (Chairman of the NZ Vets Ass) and Joan Sefton from New Zealand. We have talked by fax and telephone for many years but this is the first chance we have had to meet face to face — we had a lot to talk about!

The whole five days were well organised and money did not seem to be a problem — lucky them! They made us all feel most welcome and took great care of us. Nobody’s health problem — and there were quite a few as you can imagine — caused them bother, they dealt with each one as if it was their own. We could not have asked for better treatment Sheila Gray (Mrs) - Secretary NRPB REPORT Sue Roff and I are still 'arguing' with the NRPB over the contents of the latest study they are conducting. Unfortunately this is causing a delay in the publishing but we shall continue until we feel we

Played

Won

Lost

Drawn

13

12

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36

I also have four fixtures, which are due to be played within the next two months. Hopefully, I will have the results of two of these before the AGM. In terms of the one match, which was lost, this is presently the subject of an intervention by the governing body (in the guise of the President of the Pensions Appeal Tribunals (PAT)). If I were talking about horse racing rather than football I would be referring to it as a ‘stewards’ enquiry’.

The arguments, which I always put forward at the PAT on behalf of veterans, tend to follow the same basic pattern. They centre not around exposure to radiation from being a witness to the blast itself but rather the exposure to residual radiation as a result of the time spent in and around the test sites. I have been criticised for this by members of the WPA who think that my choosing to argue cases in this way is ‘offside’ -1 do not necessarily agree.

The rules relating to PAT require all of you to produce reliable evidence in relation to the causes of your illnesses. Based on this reliable evidence the test is whether or not a reasonable doubt has been raised in the minds of the Tribunal. The best evidence that we could produce would be a report showing that you were exposed to ionising radiation. Unfortunately, we cannot produce this because the only people who have the evidence sufficient to prepare such a report are the AWRE and we all know how reliable that evidence is!

The PAT itself, on the whole (although there are some exceptions), seems to accept the common sense argument that, if there was radiation present at a test site and a person was stationed at that test site for a period of time, then that person must have been exposed to some amount of radiation, regardless of whether or not this amount was measured.

On a personal note, over recent months my workload has prohibited me taking on any new cases. This seems to be slowly easing off and I anticipate, shortly, being able to take on some more matters for people who would wish me to act.

Finally, I am planning to be at the AGM again this year (although, hopefully I won’t have to speak as such) and I look forward to seeing you there.

Ian Greenhalgh LLB - Solicitor

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J Branch News North Wales Branch At the request of the Executive Committee, I have taken on my old job of Branch Representative for North Wales. I was happy to do this especially as I had been receiving calls from some of my local veterans, widows and their families, requesting advice and assistance - they too had asked me to open up the branch again. So here I am back again.

To get some idea of how many veterans in this area were actually interested in our branch re-opening, I sent out some filly letters to them, also local friends of our Association and I am pleased to say the response has been really encouraging.

As in the past, I will be working closely with our South Wales branch run by Peter and Gron Williams. This now means the whole of Wales is once more covered and we have our own Standard and Commemorative stone at Risca. Peter, Gron and myself have been friends for many years and I know, between us, we will be able to work well on behalf of the Welsh part of our Association.

I attended the Commemorative Service at Portsmouth Cathedral on Saturday 16th February and found it very moving. Quite a number of veterans, from all over the country, were there and this helped to make the day even more special for us all.

I hope to see some of the Welsh members at our AGM at Blackpool in April — let’s hope there is a good turnout as usual. See you all there.

Peter BuIIen — Branch Rep — North Wales North — West Branch Members are reminded that Branch Meetings are held at The Lass of Gowrie Brew Flouse, Charles Street, Manchester, on the fust Sunday in March, June, September & December at 12 noon. All are welcome.

East Midlands Branch It is with sadness that we report the death, just before Christmas, of Wally Jackson. Wally, who served on HMS Warrior during the Tests, was the member responsible, originally, for setting up the E Midlands Branch of the BNTVA in 1984.

Members from both the East and West Midlands attended his funeral and gave our condolences to his widow, Peggy and the family.

Wally was a doughty fighter and truly believed in the cause and he will be sadly missed.

Marilyn Hall - Branch Representative Sussex Branch - in the hope that it can be reformed.

Flello everyone, my name is Jim Cooper and at one time, I was the Representative of the above Branch. For those who do not know me, I sailed to Christmas Island on the troop ship Dunera with 38 Regt RE and was with 63/48 Sqn 3 Troop - we worked at most areas on the Island.

The Sussex Branch has been unsettled for the last ten years and needs to be refonned with a Representative and Committee Members. Therefore, I decided to help by arranging a meeting in this area, under the influence of the National Secretary, Sheila Gray.

The meeting took place on 25 September 2001 at 8pm at the RBL Club in Lancing, Sussex 26 men and their wives attended. It was really great to see some familiar faces and new ones too, as this was

the first meeting for such a long time. Unfortunately, we were unable to form a Committee so there needs to be a few volunteers come forward and a great deal of help and support from all the Sussex members if we want to re-open our Branch.

Another meeting has been arranged on Tuesday 14 May at 8pm at the same venue as above. So come and join us and support your local Branch. I am sure you will enjoy the company of your fellow veterans for a worthwhile cause. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible.

Jim Cooper-Tel: 01903 232108_________________ LONDON & KENT BRANCH

Firstly I would like to inform our members that 1 have arranged two more meetings at the RE Museum, Brompton Barracks, Gillingham, Kent They are both on Saturdays and begin at 1 o'clock on 6 July and 5 October 2002. If you are going to attend, please contact me on 0208 555 2644 so that I know how many to cater for, concerning refreshments.

Our AGM at Blackpool this year is on Saturday 27 April and I shall again be staying at the Lynfleld Hotel. If anybody needs me to book them accommodation, contact me ASAP please.

My MP, Tony Banks has informed me that the Parliamentary Ombudsman has agreed to look into my complaint against my local DSS and War Pensions at Norcross. They have told me it will take about 44 weeks before I will receive the findings! See you all at Blackpool.

Ken Taylor, Branch Representative______ CAN YOU HELP? My father, William ‘Yorkie’ Lingwood, 38 Corps Eng. Regt.

RE's, served on Christinas Island Dec '57 — Sep’58. He is now rather ill and his memory is fading. Is there anyone who remembers him or served out there with him? If there were, I would be really grateful if you would contact me. We, his family, are desperate to know what he did and what he witnessed —he cannot tell us anymore — can you? Even the smallest piece of information may help to jog his memory' and bring him back to us. Thank you.

Stephanie Lingwood 11 Bruce Avenue, Worsborough Common, Barnsley, S Yorks S70 4DZ — Tel: 01226 218517 Email sl014c6987@blueyonder.co.uk THANKS My grateful thanks to all members who responded to my appeal in the Christmas Newsletter, for ex­ colleagues to contact me.

JOHN McIntosh -Ex Cpl RAF MT Maralinga - Op Buffalo SECTION 10, CROWN PROCEEDINGS, ACT 1947 Some of you will have been reading in the papers about the exserviceman who is suffering from Asbestosis. Briefly, when he took his case to court the judge stated that the non-retrospective repeal of the Act in 1987 should not hinder his claim and that the Government couldn’t hide behind this. If this argument was allowed it would mean that the man could claim for the damage caused him before 1987.

This announcement caused many of you to ring up and ask if it meant we could all now sue in the same manner.

Unfortunately, at this stage it does not. The Government is arguing and appealing and until the matter is all settled we have to play a waiting game. We are however, investigating it all to see if we can benefit.

Sheila Gray Secretary

NESA NEWS ' »

In case some ot you read the NESA Newspaper, dated November/Dcccmbcr 2001 — front page — under the heading Give direct answers to those direct questions’? Where it stated “It is about time that the nuclear lest veterans devoted more time to haranguing the government and less Jirguments between themselves”, we wrote to the Chairman, Arthur Lane, asking for an explanation and an apology. His reply stated that the information was sent to him in September 2000 (so why publish it now, nearly two years later) and that two of our Branches subscribe to his newspaper and also send him subscriptions. That is their entitlement we do not argue with that. However, it is rather nasty of them, whoever they are, to broadcast the unrest we went through at that time and therefore, if it had worked spread the unrest further. He also informs us that ‘If you wish to become involved in a public slanging match I will most certainly oblige’. This was in reply to our request that he publish an apology! We do not go in for ‘slanging matches’ therefore, we feel it is better that we publish the facts in our own Newsletter for the benefit of any members who were upset or worried about what they had read in Mr Lane’s paper. Let me assure you all, we are stronger than we have ever been in our nearly twenty years existence and will continue thus if ‘trouble makers’ will let us get on with our work. Whoever you are, please remember, by your actions, you are not only letting yourselves down but all your comrades, their widows and their families!

MISPRINT An error was made in the printing of the price of — Hand painted Car Badges; Acrylic Faced on Stainless Steel BackPlate. It should read £15.00 and NOT £10.00 as printed SORRY Portsmouth Cathedral At 11.30am, on Sunday 16th February 2002 —a fine sunny winter’s morning — some 150 people, consisting of veterans, families, friends and supporters of the BNTVA, mustered at The Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, in the Royal Naval town of Portsmouth. This is an annual event at this time of year but this year was special. It was the 50th Anniversary of the departure of the two ships HMS Narvik and HMS Zeebrugge, sailing for Australia to take part in Britain’s first Nuclear Weapons Test. The actual departure was the 19th February 1952 and on board, other than the shipscompany of Royal Navy and Royal Marines, was the 71sl Field Squadron of the Royal Engineers. The planned date of sailing was set for the 6lh February 1952 but the death of King George VI on the that day delayed departure.

The task of these servicemen was to prepare, witness and clean up, before during and after the testing of the atom bomb — code-named ‘Operation Hurricane’. The testing took place at Monte Bello Islands, off the North West Coast of Australia on 3rd October 1952.

Through our Newsletter, the BNTVA Chairman, Peter Fletcher, had requested a good turn out at the Cathedral. It was not only to remember those who had paved the way to the test sites and all the thousands of men who innocently but dutifully followed but also, specifically, to re-unite those remaining men of the Royal Navy and Army who sailed on those two ships.

The BNTVA Chaplain, The Rev Canon Nicholas Frayling and the Very Rev William Taylor, Dean of Portsmouth, both officiated at the Service, the Dean giving the address. It highlighted the scientific and ministerial concerns expressed before the tests regarding the effects of radiation upon servicemen, which the then and subsequent Governments, have chosen to ignore. Me told the congregation he was proud to be associated with the BNTVA campaign, which he said, was based on justice and in the Christian tradition justice is close to righteousness.

As usual, the Service was in two parts and the second part took place at our Memorial Stone and Seat in the Cathedral’s Garden of Remembrance. This is a small garden in the coldest part of the Cathedral’s grounds, with barely enough room for the congregation, the four Standard Bearers and those with wreaths, in attendance. However, in a way the closeness of everyone was warming and it enhanced the matter in hand because this is always a moving ceremony and was proceeded by a lone piper playing a lament. The traditional Service of Remembrance, with the Last Post and the moments of silence, is to enable those present to remember their loved ones and comrades who have suffered and died because of their involvement in the Nuclear Weapons Test Programme.

Wreaths were then laid by Peter Fletcher MBE on behalf of the BNTVA, Ken Gower on behalf of HMS Narvik, Don Maiden on behalf of HMS Zeebrugge, Ex Sapper Frank Connery on behalf of the RE’s onboard HMS Zeebrugge, Alf Hollis on behalf of the all the other Royal Engineers and Betty Dannatt, Portsmouth Branch Treasurer, on behalf of the widows. Betty’s husband died in 1979 aged 63! Other wreaths included one from the Aborigines and the South Sea Islanders which was laid by the Portsmouth MP Mike Hancock and Mike’s wife laid one on behalf of the Children of the World. Other private wreaths were then laid.

After warming refreshments, served in the Cathedral Rooms, where old and new friends gathered, a more light-hearted gathering took place at the Royal Navy Home Club where group photographs were taken. Some of our members had travelled from all comers of Britain and it was pleasing to greet them.

On behalf of us all, I would like thank and congratulate our Branch Representative, Les Gosling, for all his hard work in making this a never to be forgotten day Norman Aplin Portsmouth Branch Treasurer Address given to the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association in Portsmouth Cathedral by the Very Reverend William Taylor Dean of Portsmouth Saturday 16th February 2002 It gives me both pleasure and sadness to welcome the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association here today. Pleasure because it’s very important that Portsmouth continues to play its part in welcoming the BNTVA. We commemorate this year the sailing of the fleet 50 years ago to Australia and Christmas Island. Sadness, because 50 years on the justice which you seek has so clearly not yet been brought about.

50 years ago, and during the following six years, 26000 British servicemen participated in a series of nuclear tests at Monte Bello, Christmas Island, Emu Field and Maralinga

Australia. More than 14000 men directly witnessed die explosions.

In 1951, the Ministry of Defence stated, in a secret memorandum, diat it needed to test die impact of radiation on human beings. The Director of Trials Planning at die Admiralty wrote: “Ill effects may be long delayed. With any claims for compensation 1 feel that some formula might be accepted by Ministries which would dispose any tribunal in favour of a .... Claimant” Sir William Penny stated float there was a need for “ Adequate insurance for participating personnel, especially against radioactive hazards, without undue disclosure to insurance companies” Those highly damaging revelations are now a matter of public record. Yet in 1990 the then Health Minister told the House of Commons, in a debate on a Private Members Bill, that: “There is no evidence, either medical or scientific, to link participation in the nuclear tests programme and ill health which some of the participants have subsequently suffered” The BNTVA came into being to bring these matters to public attention, to press for recognition of a national debt of honour, and urge the payment of fair and consistent pensions. The Association is certain, backed by personal experience, that there is a clear link between radiation fallout and the wide range of sicknesses which have developed amongst its members who witnessed those explosions.

This is the reason for the existence of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association, and the campaign for justice for the victims of long delayed ill effects of which that 1951 memorandum spoke. I am proud to be associated with your campaign, and glad that you are in this Cathedral today. May you take comfort from being in this building — a place where ‘prayer has been valid' for over 800 years. Your campaign is based on justice, and in the Christian tradition justice is close to righteousness. May God hear the prayers of the righteous: may those in authority be enabled to hear the voices raised for righteousness. And may God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit bless us all. Amen.

HMS NARVIK - from 1955-59 Men, who served on the NARVIK, during the above period, are holding their 5th Re-union this year, from Friday 5 May 2000. For further details, please contact Rod JENKINS, 33 Paston Ridings, Paston, Peterborough PE4 7URor telephone on 01733 751019 We are also seeking the following men: Sam Barnes, Mr Balfour, Henry Cammed, Mr Crawthome, Taffy Cloke, Doc Doyle, Arthur Evans, K R Forster, B Geoghan, CPO George Graham, David Grant, George Harbron, Lt Harrison, 'Dutch' Hollands, Mr Imrie, Mr Judd, Ralph O'Dell, PO George Peel, Brian Peters, Surg Lt D Read, Daniel McMillan, Lt Olaf Mihalop, Lt Oakley, PO Sandy (Shady) Lane, Mr Roberts, Barry Sanderson, Charles Small, Willy Spong, Perce Westmore, Keith Willis, Alby Hurlock from St Marys Cary, Kent.

From First Class to No Class at all Having spent one night at Woolwich Barracks, a sort of UK equivalent to B & B at Alcatraz, we were coached out to Heathrow Airport to start the first leg of our journey to Christmas Island The MOD was apparently filling all West bound aircraft to the States with troops en-route to Honolulu and I was fortunately assigned to a BOAC Monarch flight to New York. Of course, in 19571 had no idea what a Monarch flight was but was delighted to discover it was a grade above first class. We had been required to carry our Great Coats as hand luggage and to stay within the 66 lb. allowance. So there we were on a Boeing Slratocruiser, a few squaddies dispersed amidst the very rich travelling to New York. Those were the days before air hostesses were allowed anywhere near first class flights and all attendants were stewards dressed smartly in ‘Whites’. My ticket begrudgingly thrust into my hand by some envious sergeant showed a purchase price of £273.00 (I can still get to Honolulu tor less than this price, forty-five years later). Before take-off the steward had served me with a large Scotch and the Royal Engineer seated next to me with a large Brandy with an olive floating on the surface. Hardly into the flight the same steward inquired whether we needed another drink. My RE pal replied k Yea John, but this time will you put two Gherkins in the Brandy’. Without a smile or inflection in his voice tire steward replied ’Of course Sir’.

After our fuelling stop at Reykjavik we continued on to New York where we were given $4.00 as an allowance to ‘see the city’. Being in uniform we must have stood out like sore thumbs and on Broadway I was stopped by a very pleasant American lady who inquired whether I was a Boy Scout leader — so much for the quality of UK uniforms. Completing a tour of New York City courtesy of a YMCA bus, it was then time to set off for Los Angeles the next leg of our journey to the Pacific. On board the American Airlines DC6 the cabin crew introduced themselves as 'Babs and Julie’ and thus service, good food, and efficiency went straight out of the window of the aircraft. Without so much as a dollar trip on the YMCA bus around Hollywood we were again airborne, bound for Honolulu and regrettably again with American Airlines. My new RE friend and I was now getting very critical about the sort of service we were getting and how quickly the drinks arrived. Little did we know what waited for us in Honolulu: a troop ship by the name of Empire Clyde, no stewards, not even a sub grade air hostess just an old rusty tub which should have been scrapped many decades before.

After four nights on the rusty ship and three old movies shown on a make shift screen located on the deck we arrived at the Port area of Christmas Island. My first sighting of this desert Island, apart from the palm trees, sun drenched sand and blue sea was a native girl dressed simply m a short skirt and literally, nothing else.

Goodbye rusty tub, hello paradise...

David Halliday (4086) 17th August 1957 CHRISTMAS ISLAND AS I REMEMBER IT My first day there was the 1st April 1958 — an apt date. We were approaching a further major Test at the end of the month and the Island’s inhabitants were increasing with the arrival of the aircrews directly involved with the “drop”, their back - up ground crew and scientists from Atomic Warfare Research Establishment Aldermaston.

Conditions were very primitive. We lived in tents, sanitation was basic and the food, whilst good, was usually ruined by the RAF cooks. The main off-duty recreations were lying in the sun once the heat had abated, writing letters, over-drinking and going to the open air cinema which showed recently released films. Two W. V.S. women, specially selected for their motherly plainness, ran the library, and were the only women on the island apart from the wives of Gilbert & Ellis Islanders, whose husbands were there for hard labouring

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I he main hazards apart from the lingering nuclear contamination, about which we were told nothing, were our exposure to the sun, boredom, drunkeness and the occasional suicide following a '‘Dear John" from die UK. This was usually done by “running for the reel” a razor-sharp coral shelf that surrounded the island some 100 yds out.

Once over this, there was little chance of return due to the vast undertow no escape from the sharks attracted by the blood.

On the 28 April, things changed. The RAF was encouraged to have an early breakfast. The Army was marched to breakfast and then to the trucks. We all assembled some 10 miles from “Burst Point" and given white overalls with a hood that made us look like the Klu Klux Klan. A voice on the Tannoy told us what was happening and after some hours we were told to squat down, our backs to the “Blast”, close and screw our knuckles into our eyes. The sound of the explosion was surprisingly soft. Then the flash was like a gigantic magnesium flare, giving a x-ray image of our lingers. “Stay down Stay Down" continued the Tannoy. Then the heat arrived. It passed through our bodies with a vicious intensity. “Stay down Stay down".

The blast wave hit us with a sound like a gigantic whiplash. “You can get up now". As wc did, we saw massive palm trees lashing up and down like blades of grass. Wc could now look at the mushroom cloud — some of us had taken dark glasses. It rose over the sea and was awesome. At its centre the fire ball rose, yellow, brown, red.

The sea boiled.

At this point the aircraft from the sampling squadron entered the cloud to obtain samples for research. The aircraft were later cleaned with soap and water by the decontamination squads, as were the aircrew, the ground crew and the decontamination squads themselves.

We were told that this had been the largest explosion known to Man. The rest of the day was free. We could sit and watch the cloud rise until hours later; it was dispersed by the wind and air currents. For days the beaches were littered with dead fish.

Later that year there was three more H-bomb tests, which seemed smaller. The procedures were similar, except that this time there were no Klu Klux Klan suits and the only precaution was that we were standing on a landing craft to be evacuated by the ROYAL NAVY should anything go wrong.

During this phase, there were also two atomic Bomb tests. Wc were approx 5 miles from “Burst”. There was NO SECURITY. Although less potent than the H-bomb’s (they were only used as trigger mechanisms) they were extremely dirty in fall out and contamination terms and the decontamination process was very long.

I left Christmas Island in late October.

Vincent Prust [f

Special Discount of 10% Oft* Funeral f| Directors Fees for Members of the British ji Nuclear Tests Veterans Association. j PRE- PAYMENT SCHEME ALSO AVAILABLE

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This is your Newsletter Have you an article you would like to share with the other members?

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 chum you arc trying to find?

Do you have an experience with officialdom dial 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 **Ncxt newsletter will be the Summer Edition it will include ACM Report, copy to be in by the Ist May 2002.

D1DYOU SERVE WITH MY HUSBAND Don Reynolds Royal Engineers No. 22550199 He served on Christmas Island between 1957/58. I would be grateful if anyone who remembers him, to get in touch with me as soon As Possible — thank you.

Ann Reynolds, 8 Le Strange Terrace Hunstanton Norfolk PE36 5AJ

LOOKING FOR OLD FRIENDS If anyone who served with 217 Sqn attached to 22 Squadron Air Sea Rescue RAF on Christmas Island during 1958/59, It would be great to hear from you.

Ron Wilkins, Valhalla, 6 Montfort Road Longlevens Gloucester GL2 0ES Have you heard this one, it was sent in by David Halliday (4086) Ex Christmas Island This is a transcript of an actual radio conversation between a ship of the US Navy and Canadian Authorities off the coast of Newfoundland early in October 1995 and released by the Chief of Naval Operations 10th October 1995.

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CHRISTMAS ISLAND RE-UNION 2002 is the time for the Christmas Island Re-union, at Weston-super-Mare For full details of the Weekend Send an S.A.E. to Jim Cooper, 30 Beaumont Rd, Worthing, Sussex BN 14 8HD, or Tel: 01903 232108.

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US Navy: Please divert your course 15 degrees North to avoid collision.

Canadians: recommend you divert your course 40 degrees South to avoid collision US Navy: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship I say again divert your course Canadians: No...I say again you divert YOUR course.

US Navy This is the Captain of the USS Lincoln the largest ship in the US Atlantic Fleet wc are accompanied by three destroyers, three battle cruisers and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course at once 15 degrees North that’s one five degrees North, or measures will be taken against you. To ensure safety of this fleet.

Canadians: Request denied Captain this is a lighthouse ... Your call.

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NOTICE*

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Notice is hereby given that the Annual general meeting of the BNTVA (1992) will be held on Saturday 27th April 2002.

Hm Venae will bet The Paradise Room, Pleasurelands South Shore, Blackpool and admission to die said meeting is by current membership card only.

The meeting begins at 1.30 pm prompt

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Election of Officers and Committee Members.

Nominations for the election of officers to the above positions must be in the hands of the Association Secretary 14 days prior to the AGM A proposer and seconder is required with each nomination and proposal.

Address for nominations and proposals

Mrs. S. Gray BNTVA (1992) 11 Grosmount Drive, Billingham, Cleveland

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ASSOCIATION ACCOUNTS If you would like a copy of the Association’s Accounts, please send a sae to: Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, Cleveland.

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Or you can ask for a copy of the accounts at our AGM

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION A proposal has been received to alter the title of our Association.

It is proposed that vve revert to our original title of - British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association - thus REMOVING T9921 as stated in Clause 1 of our Constitution.

Having '1992' in our title serves no purpose and indeed, is misleading - suggesting that is when our organisation began. As many of you know, we came into being on 3 May 1983.

For those members who have joined us since 1992 - the reason why our title was altered was because in 1992, a new Constitution was brought into force and it was decided to add that year to our title. We do not need it.

Proposed by Kenneth Roberts - Treasurer Seconded by John Lowe - Vice-Chairman

Golden Jubilee Commemoration Medal This medal has been produced for all men and women who served their country during the fifty years reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The medal is supplied ready to wear in a fitted box. The medal is plated with Gold and should not tarnish. A Gold plated miniature is also available. The ribbon is Gold in colour with a purple strip down the middle with a whit stripe either side of the purple. £39.50 Full size Golden Jubilee Commemorative medal £12.00 To engrave with your details £20.00 Miniature Golden Jubilee Commemorative medal £6.00 Plus Insured P &P Please contact Raymond D Holdich Trafalgar Square Collectors Centre 7 Whitecombe Street Trafalgar Square London WC2H 7HA Tel: 020 7930 1979

BRITISH NUCLEAR TESTS VETERANS ASSOCIATION 1992 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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CHAIRMAN

VICE CHAIRMAN

SECRETARY

Peter Fletcher MBE ‘Monte Bello’ 134 Clipslcy Lane Haydock St Helens, Lancs WA11 OUB Tel/Fax 01744 29636

John Lowe 45 Sheldrake Road Broadhcath Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5LJ

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

Tel/Fax 0161 941 2164

Tel/Fax 01642 559903

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

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Derick Red fern 32 St Aubyn Crescent Newquay Cornwall TR72RQ

Derek Heaps 4 Bake well Drive Castle Donnington Derby DE7 2NF

Tel/Fax 01637 879048

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CHILDREN’S REPRESENTATIVE

CHAPLAIN

SOLICITOR

Martin Blackburn 154 Astley Street Tyldesley, Manchester

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

Ian Grccnhalgh LLB Unit B Worthington Way Manis Bridge Wigan WN3 6XE TEL: 01942 820202

M29 7AX

01332 811429

BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES Noel 1-Iendy (Cornwall) 2 Bowdens Row West End Redruth Cornwall R15 2TS Tel/Fax: 01209 214814

Tom Kitching (Humberside) 5 Ellerby Grove Preston Road Hull I-IU9 3PR

Ken Taylor (London) 7 TurleyClose Stratford London E15 3JD

Tel: 01482 793082

Tel: 020 855 52644

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

Pat Hurley (Milton Keynes) 24 Caxton Road Old Wolverton Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK12 50PG Tel: 01908 313024

Les Gosling (Portsmouth) 49 Lincoln Road Fratton Portsmouth Hampshire POl5BG Tel: 023 926 14673

Jim McGowan (Scotland) 125 Whitburn Street Cartyne Glasgow G32 6RP Tel: 0141 7786954

Wally Holdsworth (West Yorks) 11 Foundry Walk Leeds West Yorks LS8 3PZ Tel: 0113 2946149

Peter & Gron Williams (South Wales) 27 Hcol Myryddin Ffairfach Llandcilo South Wales SA19 6PD Tel: 01558 822141

Marilyn Hall (Mrs) (E Midlands) 35 Shetland Road Leicester LE4 6RS

Peter Bullen (North Wales) Penland Mill Cottage Llandegai Bangor Gwynedd LL574LG Tel: 01248 352708

Tel: 0116 2251783 Fax: 0116 2251784

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