March 1998

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5© MAGAZINE

March 1998 Edition

Our cash crisis is finally over TO all you wonderful, good and true members, I say in all sincereity “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You". Our cash crisis for 1997 is over. Your response to our appeal for subscriptions and donations was just marvellous, blooming marvel­ lous. Please God we never suffer

BILL KITTSEN - National Treasurer B.N.T.V.A. another one. During that worrying period, I recalled some of the words of the late treasurer, Frank Gray, who through ill health was forced to retire as our Treasurer and I was about to take, on the task. He warned me it was not an easy job and said

we would experience hard times and I would feel let down However, he added, let me tell you there are many members and non-members out there who will support you and our Association and these people far outnumber those who appear not to

care. In the long run you will find your task and all the time you put into it. well worthwhile for all con­ cerned. How right Frank was. He was a gentleman of gentlemen who knew and understood this elite Association of ours and its memhership. Again, many, many thanks for your wonderful support.

An Easter message from our Chaplain Peter, James, John and Andrew and the others in despair. Peter, whose com­ panion they had been for three years, and who had spent long hours, day after day, teaching them, was dead. Not just that: He had been executed as a com­ mon criminal. It was so unfair. Three days later, they knew they had seen Him. They did not expect it quite the opposite - but nothing could shake their certainty about it. They should have been in mourning: but they were full of joy. That is the message of Faster. It is about life out of death, joy out of sorrow, hope out of despair. Wherever - and however you are, I wish you and your families a happy and hope-full Easter. NICHOLAS FRAYLING

A moment to cherish THIS is the moment our Vice-Chairman, Peter Fletcher, will cherish for the rest of his life - the day he went to Buckingham Palace to receive an M.B.E. Peter is pictured above with his wife Hilda and friends, Sid Harris (Christmas Island) who was also accommpanied by his wife Ivy. Because Her Majesty, The Queen, was on a tour of India, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, offi­ ciated at the presentation ceremony. On receiving his M.B.E. for services to the British Nuclear tests Veterans Association, Peter thanked Her Royal Highness. “No, No," replied

Princess Anne. “We thank you, well done." “I felt so proud to he a British Nuclear Test vet­ eran," said Peter. “It was a day I shall treasure for ever." INSET PICTURE: Pauline Jane Smith (nee Fletcher), who has spent hours and hours with her husband John stick­ ing magazines in envelopes, scaling them, licking them and posting them for the membership. Pauline poses with her dad and his M.B.E. medal and we would like to thank her and John for their work on our behalf.

Brvan looks back IN 1055.1 was a young airman at my first unit. South Cerney in Gloucestershire, looking after Her Majesty’s aeroplanes. As a result of needing to save some money, I looked around to find a posting where all my income wouldn’t disappear into the petrol tank of my current motorcycle. I first of all put my name forward for a posting to the rocket range at Woomera in Australia and was accepted and told to report to Weston Zoyland in Somerset after my 14 day embarkation leave. I was then informed on returning to my unit that the establishment at Woomera had been reduced and accordingly I was staying put. Shortly after that time volunteers were called for a "special operation" on Christmas Island in the Pacific (there is also a Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean). I duly volunteered (I should have known better but with the impetuousness of youth etc) and was told to report to Hornchurch. There, about 40 of us were separated into three groups, each of which had a different travel arrangement. No. I party, consisting of each of the basic aircraft trades, was the section I was allot­ ted to. We were to flv from Heathrow to New York by BOAC Stratocruiscr. a development of the wartime B29 Bomber, onwards by American Airlines (DC6) to San Francisco via Tulsa. At Tulsa, a refuelling stop, we “lost" our electrician allegedly to a job offer he couldn't refuse. At San Francisco we had a 24 hour stopover and enjoyed the hospitality of American citizens who took us under their collective wings showing us the sights both by day and nigbt. I will always remember the genuine kindness shown to us by those American folk who probably realised the loneliness of these young fellows far from home. Among other places they took us to was an estab­ lishment called the Scottish Club at No 777 Turk Street. So many beers were poured for us that we bad no chance of consuming all of them. However, I digress. From San Francisco we flew by Qantas Constellation (surely the most beautiful airliner of all time) to Canton Island, a small speck in the Pacific Ocean.

Early Days on Christmas Island By Bryan Beames Here we clambered aboard a Shackleton. one of two which had been positioned to transport us onwards. Twenty three of us were distributed between the two aircraft along with stores and supplies ranging from boxes of "compo" rations to a 98cc James motor cycle. There were no seats, after all the Shackleton was not a passenger air­ craft so it was a case of squatting on anything that came to hand or standing up and holding on to anything convenient. After what seemed to be a lifetime, but what in reality was about six hours, Christmas Island appeared beneath us and we landed on the old American crushed coral strip. Though cleared of large undergrowth for our arrival the strip still contained the odd 2-3ft high bush to add to our general excitement. We were met on arrival by the resident District Officer, Percy Roberts, who kindly offered a ride for us and our baggage in his Jeep to our temproaiy accommodation which turned out to be bis guest house built in the Gilbertese fashion. However, before I could sample my new sur­ roundings. it was discovered that the starter motor for No 3 engine on our Shackleton had gone u/s and that the spare was on board the other aircraft which, at the moment, was at the far end of the airstrip and about to take off. My first job on the island therefore wras to run wildly down the middle of the strip waving my arms and hoping that I would be seen before the aircraft bad generated too much speed. All was well however, the starter was off-loaded, swapped for the u/s item, and both aircraft took off. The next 10 days remain blurred in my memory, but I recall that all the ranks from Colonel Woollett to Private Battersbee lived in the guest house while army types were erecting a tented camp at Port London. I recall that I was employed driving a Reo truck which had the novelty (in those days) of a two speed rear axle, but what the load was on board I don’t remember. Battersbee made porridge each morning from

ground up oatmeal biscuits which were part of the compo packs. A more delicious porridge I have yet to taste. Before much military routine had been organised and fraternisation with the local Gilbertese was actively discouraged (for whatever reason), I became friendly with the Gilbertese radio operator whose task was to maintain a schedule with Tarawa, in the Gilbert Island. He introduced me to shark fishing, took me out on an outrigger canoe and went on an egg-collect­ ing expedition at a Tern colony. I’m sure you could­ n't get away with the latter these days as I believe it's a protected area. Ruatake's wife made me a feather and cane fan which 1 still treasure. The whole point of the tiny contingent of RAF personnel there at that time was to organise turn­ around facilities for a weekly Hastings mail shut­ tle flying between Honolulu and Christmas Island so as to keep the army chaps contented while they were constructing the new airfield and associated facilities, Although a motorised refuelling rig had been planned as a priority item on the first shipment of supplies, it failed to show up (I spent a day on board ship at one point looking for the blasted thing). We therefore found ourselves refuelling the air­ craft using a semi-rotary pump strapped on top of a 6000 gallon bowser. That refuelling bowser alone is a story in itself. When Grapple was planned using Christmas Island as a base, it co-incidcd with plans from a private company called SPAL (Southern Pacific Airlines) to use Christmas as a staging post for a luxury flying boat service around the Pacific. To that end they had built a hotel on a point of the island (Paris) and equipped themselves also, among other things, with a large refuelling tanker. Although it had a serviceable engine the drive shaft was only connected to the front wheel and, loaded with fuel, wheelspin would set in very early in the piece, i.e. before moving, so we bad to tow it everywhere with the trusty David Brown tractor. The tanker itself was refuelled by the same semi­ rotary pump from 44 gallon drums at various fuel dumps established around and about. As you may imagine, a lot of time was spent towing the tanker

Paddy brings back memories WITH reference to "Paddy, me and the nuclear bomb site" in the September issue. South Hast Point brings back memories as I was one of the Sappers attached to the AWRE installing and maintaining generators for the instrument sites in the forward area i.e. South of Csite and camp, The ‘ground zero' for the air drops was actually a couple of miles offshore from the point. If Richard and Co were at risk from radiation a year after the tests, what about those of us who visited the site within hours of a drop in order to start prepartions for the next. The baloon tethered

tests took place further North near B site. I have two vivid memories of SE Point. One when 1 had to put a lamp on top of the tower one night so it could be sighted from C site. This was impossible during the day because of heat haze and I spent the whole night there with only crabs for comfort, When I returned at daybreak I discovered everyone else completed the job in less than an hour and went back to bed. A faulty radio prevented me hearing the stand down message. Remember those damned Pye Teletalks with their vibrator power packs? The other memory was when I

climbed the tower for the same reason and I nicked my leg on a piece of corrugated aluminium. It was a small nick, quickly forgotten - till I passed through the decontamination unit. When scanned I had a high level of radiation and had to shower. I took four showers before realising the dust in the nick as the problem. I suffered all the agonies of coral poisoning in that leg which was treated at the port. Wonder if that’s on my modical records or is it ‘lost", John A Poetz. 4 Rossitcr Road. Lancing, West Sussex BN 15 ONO

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around, refuelling it. and then pumping it into the aircraft tanks. To complete my responsibilities, the aircraft oil tanks had to be replenished. This was done by hand, five gallons per trip from the dump about 100 yards away, the aircraft always needing about .*10 gallons. You may imagine that by the end of the day, and bearing in mind the quality of the food, I was pretty tired. After a few weeks in the tented accommodation at London Camp, we moved over to the Main Camp which the army had been busy building, moving into tent No A1 along with Dave Naylor (rigger), Jock Gray (instruments), Ted Ncwson (radio). Ginge Pcdley (carpenter) and Mick ? (electrician), who also doubled up as haidresscr after hours. Ginge, our chippie, made himself responsible for making each of us a frame on which to stand our camp bed. This elevated our beds about a foot off the ground much to the disgust of the land crabs and was always referred to as a Pcdlcy Bed. Messing arrangements were crude in the extreme. In early days, food was from “Coinpo" packs. Tins were heated, opened and three men counted off. Since the army chaps outnumbered us by about 20 to one and all seemed to he heavily built types, it was pot luck whether the food you got was suffi­ cient in quantity and the calorific value sufficient for your own day’s toil. Having found somewhere to sit. the flies wanted their share as well. This problem was largely over­ come later by the use of liberal spraying of DDT from the air, courtesy of an Austcr aircraft which had been hurriedly brought out. I don’t think the fly problem had been foreseen as it was a huge prob­ lem for some time. Things did improve in time, hut food was always of the preserved variety, i.c. tinned, and such fresh fruit and vegetables which did arrive by air from Honolulu was invariably diverted to the officer’s mess. I was handling inbound flights for four months so I was aware of what was on hoard the aircraft when it arrived. For those four months we worked literally from dawn to dusk with rarely a day off When, in November ‘56 the main body of the RAF started to arrive, landing on the new runway, we were so dark skinned that many of the new arrivals thought they were the first RAF on the job and that we were natives! Once the tech, site was up and running work rou­ tine became more settled. My job was in the aircraft engine bay and I was responsible along with one other CpI. (whose name escapes me. hut I can pic­ ture him perfectly) for preparing replacement air­ craft engines and inhibiting and storing u/s one’s. We were in the friendly charge of Sgt. Jock Gallant from whom we rarely, if ever, heard a cross word (where are you now Jock?). Another “Jock” who comes to mind is Sgt. Jock McAleese, who ran the blacksmiths shop just across the road from us and who was about equidistant from tin* apron where the “sniffer" Canberra’s were parked (less than 50yds) which flew through the mushroom cloud to collect evidence of radioactivity. Then*

were no “Keep Clear" notices around them and we sometimes walked round them. Just idle curiousity There were grim times such as the occasion when a newspaper published in Hawaii ran a headline "1200 men to be sacrificed on Christmas Island". Only two copies reached the island and I’m sure were quickly disposed of. The rumours however went the rounds and did nothing for morale, which had never been as high. Fear of what might happen was fairly widespread and men could frequently he seen on the shore at night staring into the distance and silently weeping. There were also some humorous incidents such as the occasion when the fire engine caught fire (which couldn’t have happened to a more appropriate vehicle) and when the ambulance knocked a fellow over. He was promptly accommodated inside and the wagon quickly resumed its journey. The victim, fortunately, was only concussed. Having spent 10 months on the island, I was a mem­ ber of a small servicing team that was detached to Hiekam AFB. Honolulu, to assist in staging the Valiant’s through, the aircraft involved in dropping bombs. An incident, which has gone unrecorded, con­ cerns the first Valiant through, that of Wing

Commundcr Hubbard. Needing a generator for start­ ing the aircraft, the U.S. Navy had sent up an enor­ mous Caterpillar diesel mounted on a 10-ton trailer whose springs were showing severe signs of overload. We fitted a NATO plug to the end of the generator cable to match up with the aircraft fitting. Come the crucial time when the captain on l>oard pressed the START button for the first engine, the generator felt the load and fully opened the throttle. The diesel then got its act together to the accompani­ ment of a large plume of black smoke. The unregulat­ ed voltage then went off the clock to the consternation of the electrician. All the contact breakers then popped out in the various aircraft circuits and the air­ crew came out rather faster than they had got in. After that we used internal batteries for start-up. I finally left Christmas Island after one year, one month and one day. arriving in the UK to he greeted at the railway station by a hus strike. 1 can't retnemberrbeing much amused at the four mile hike home, complete with kit Imgct-al. Saved some money though! PS: 1 have never heard of a reunion of 160 Wing. Has it ever happened or is one planned? Any letters will Ik* welcomed and answered. I have many clear memories of Grapple and not a few photos.

CHAIRMANS REPORT IT is possibly the most damning document released ever. The NATO Unclassified papers dated 2nd August 1996 state that (2) Low Level Radiation (LLR) exposure shows a risk to soldiers of long term health consequences. The doses received from these exposures are higher than those routinely received by Health Physic workers and the general public and are in the range from background radia­ tion to 70c GY. The primary consequences of exposure may be induction of cancer in the longer term exposure. Additional health risks that may occur are Teratogenesis and Mutagenesis and their associated psychological and social conse­ quences. The hazard from LLR may result from Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation. For veterans and widows the term “Teratogenesis” comes from the words “teratism" and “teras" both meaning feral monsters. Teratogenesis is usually used medically to mean the caus­ ing of generic malformations in offspring. Mutogenesis is used medically to mean the causing of generic mutations in offspring. The new directive was signed by J T Holmes, Brigadier UK Army Director of Staff Operations. I wonder if Pt. Brown or Spr. Smith have a copy of what lies in store for them. Another piece of information which is now being investigated on Christmas Island is a memo dated 19th October 1959. J A Dawson, Senior Supt. Measurement and Trials to T F Cook regarding waste site at Christmas Island was buried at two sites between Buildings B31 and B32 in Airfield DC area. The waste site was filled with crushed cora and sand then sealed with a tar spray. It’s obvious that our scientists did not learn from the US experience. The United States carried out the same procedure on Bikini and found later that Coral is porous and the radiation went straight back into the environment. I would like to thank Tony Adcock, a member who lives in France, for sending over a copy of Nouvel Observateur which outlines the secrecy, deceipt and contempt of French Nuclear Testing in the Pacific. In fact, it’s basically a repetition of Britain’s and the USA's total disregard for servicemen, civilians and, last but not least, for the indiginous people of the Pacific Islands. Granted, the USA is the only country to draw up legislation for their veterans and, as of December 1996, a total of $54,904,500 had been awarded to or on behalf of 1,368 individuals from the Marshall Islands. You will be aware that two studies were carried out by the N.R.P.B.. I will not enlarge on these two studies. What I will state is that the only further study we Veterans and Widows should recognise is the one based with an Independent body with a total complement of all participants and a very strong study by qualified genetisists. I’ve heard the phrase "compared to the National average” so many times only idiots are using it. The terms of reference in the two studies were that we were compared not with the average national pop­ ulation, but with 22,000 who served not at the same time as the participants, but elsewhere. The main question for the M.o.D. and the N.R.P.B. is “Why are you frightened to release the database?" I and many others are con­ vinced the N.R.P.B. have lost any credibility they may have had especially when they sit in the same box as the M.o.D. and the D.S S. representatives, proving they are about as independent as Jimmy Hill refereeing a World Cup Final between West Germany and England. In mid-1993 we released that barriers and blockades would be put up against us when the second N.R.P.B. would be announced. We phoned all Executive Committee members and representatives. A decision had to be made - should we take our case to Strasbourg? That was the question. The answers were varied, but we took the majority which was yes. I ask you now where would the BNTVA be today if the answer had been no. It so happened, as I had forecast, that on May 2nd last year the new Labour Government didn’t want to know us, but thankfully many understanding MP’s still stood by us. To date the M.o.D., backed by the D.S.S. and the N.R.P.B., still deny any illnesses relating to the Nuclear tests so here’s hoping for that for future generations we get the result in the next month or so. The term “guinea pig" has been used frequently by Test Veterans, Journalists and other people in the media, for this I do not apolo­ gise. Why? There is enough documentation relating to countries who have used servicemen for their Military and Scientific curiosity, as recently as 1997. Michael Portillo admitted that the UK, together with the US, had been experimenting with human guinea pigs for over 40 years. The decision from Strasbourg will be announced in May - no date given.

KEN McGINLEY

□ SPECIAL NOTICE □ A.G.M. Notice to Members Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association (1992) will be held on

Saturday 25th April 1998 The venue will be The Paradise Room, Pleasurelands, South Shore, Blackpool, and admission to the said meeting is by current mem­ bership card only. The meeting begins at 1.30pm prompt.

Election of Officers and Committee Members Nominations for election to the above positions must be in the hands of the Association Secretary 14 days prior to the A.G.M. Proposals must be in the hands of the Association Secretary 14 days prior to the A.G.M. A Proposer and Seconder is required with each nomination and each proposal.

HOW TO FIND US Recommended route Leave the M6 at Junction 32. take the M55 to Blackpool, continue along the dual carriageway. follow Tourist signs _ for Blackpool & Pleasure Beach and $ look for the Pepsi t> Max The Big One!. -----the tallest, fastest rollercoaster in the world.

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Address for nominations and proposals:

Mrs S Gray. Secretary, B.N.T.V.A.fl992h 11 Grosmont Drive, Billingham. Cleveland TS23 2EP Signed for and on behalf of the Association by S.Gray. dated 28th February 1998.

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Lorraine Burns, Ken McGinley and Mrs Ellen Burns pose outside the European Court of Human Rights.

OUR cases began at 09.30 hours on Wednesday 26th November in the Palace of Europe, Strasbourg. Thirteen widows and 28 veterans had travelled there to witness tin* proceedings and hoping to sec justice prevail. The Association had worked hard for fifteen years searching for evidence, listening to different but very similar stories of what had happened at the various Test Sites - now we were putting it all to the test. For those who could not make it to Strasbourg, let me describe the court proceedings to you. In a semi-circle there were thirteen Commissioners and facing them were three benches. To the left sat the Court’s agent and her assis­ tant; in the centre was our Attorney, Ian Anderson, accompanied by Sue Rabbit Roff and John Large, a consultant. On the right - the British Government’s bench - there was one Government official, one barrister, one lawyer, two M.o.D. representatives, one from the DSS and I)r Chris Sharp of the NRPB. The Agent spoke first giving a summary of both sides on behalf of the Commissioners then Ian Anderson was invited to speak for 40 minutes. The Barrister representing our Government. Mr Eadie then spoke for his allotted 40 minutes. The first case to be dealt with was that of the vet­ eran’s daughter, Lorraine Burns. She is the daughter of an RAF veteran who served at Christmas Island and had contracted leukemia when she. was four. Sadly her father only died two months ago. but her mother, Helen, made the journey with her to give support. Helpful to her case, it stated on her ?

DIARY DATES

BY SHEILA GRAY medical records that her father had been o.\|)osed to radiation. After both lawyers had addressed the court, each raised various points which were dealt with very efficiently by Ian Anderson. The Judge then told Mr Eadic he could not expect the court to make a ruling on evidence he had not heard. This was because Eadie had told the court that as he Wits making the same statement twice he would not be giving it until the afternoon hearing. We felt this had gone down well with the Commissioners. The Court re-assembled in the afternoon at 3pm and the cases of the two veterans were examined. They were Ken McGinley (Army) and Edward Egan (Navv). The same 40 minute procedure was gone through and then the questions were put for­ ward. Ian did us proud and Mr Eadie was left floundering and ineffectual. It appeared he had either not studied the papers sufficiently or his heart wasn’t in the job he was doing. He stated many incorrect facts and brought up petty items which had nothing to do with the case being dealt with. He thought the amounts each claimant had asked for were too high - McGinley £lm, Burns £1.5m and Egan £10m. We had also placed a claim for money for our Research programme and £1.41) for the BNTVA. The Government opened its remarks by saying that if what we said was true, this, the Nuclear Weapons Tests, would have been:

DIARY DATES

April 25: Blackpool AGM (Inquiries to P Fletcher). April 26: Blackpool: Church Parade and service (Inquiries Peter Fletcher). June 12: Risca, South Wales.Veterans Association of the RBL concert. (Inquiries P Williams). June 14: Risca, South Wales.Church service, Parade and Re-dedication of BNTVA Memorial Stone (Inquiries P Williams). June 13-19: Annual International Military and Veterans Festival - Weymouth. (Inquiries Bobby Brewster now).

Ken McGinley and Mrs Rita Dale, Founder Members of the BNTVA at the Ibis Hotel, Strasbourg.

QUOTES: (1) Some appalling scientific experiment." (2) By the lfloO’s there was a considerable body of information on human experiments". (3) "No need to endanger lives." (4) “An act of indefensible callousness.” (5) "The NRPB only suffered from statistical bias." They again commented that the only thing wrong with the NRPB report was it suffered “only statis­ tical bias." When these remarks were being made there was a ‘rumbling’ amongst the spectators (us) which had to be quickly curbed. We had been told there were to be NO pho­ tographs. NO taking notes and NO talking. However the odd whispered comment was heard that couldn’t be avoided. Our day in Court was over. The Judge informed us they would be going away to deliberate and we should be given the result in March or thereabouts. We felt that things looked hopeful. Tin* more ‘experienced’ people we sjuike to said they thought we had been successful, but told us not to raise our hopes too high as they had been in a similar situation before and had been disappointed. Suffice to say everyone involved on our behalf gave their best shot win or lose. We could not have done or asked for more. Now we must await the final verdict so keep your fingers crossed and pray we get justice after all.

DIARY DATES

DIARY DATES

Oct 3: Liverpool: Nuclear Veterans day service, St Johns Gdns). (Inquiries C Rowlands) Oct 4: Risca, South Wales.Annual Nuclear Veterans day service and Parade (Inquiries P Williams) Nov 5: Field of Remembrance, Westminster Abbey (Inquiries K Taylor) Nov 6: Liverpool: St Johns Gdns. Re-dedication of Gardens of Peace - Canon Nicholas Frayling (Inquiries C Rowlands) Nov 8: Remembrance Day Parade - London (Inquiries to K Taylor or P Fletcher)

Contact Numbers Pi ter Fletcher. MBE. 0!744-29(«<i Chris Rowlands 0ir>l-2r>Gf>(»88 Ken Taylor 0181-655-2466 Peter Williams 01558*822141 Bobbie Brewster 01703-844489

VICE-CHAIRMANS REPORT □ GREETINGS and best wishes to each and every one. What is there to report? What can I report? Things are at a standstill. No campaigning. No publici­ ty. No nothing. The question on everyone's lips is: “What news from Strasbourg?" Hardly a day goes by that 1 do not receive a telephone call or a letter asking that very question. Our Chairman, Ken. and Secretary, Sheila, are in the same boat. We can only answer: "Sorry, no news yet." No doubt when the news does break it will make international headlines. I really am surprised that at the date of writing (March 12). the European Court of Human Rights has not printed and released a mandate on the court hearing in November 1997. The only report we have is the one our Mrs Sheila Gray wrote and which you will find within the pages of this newsletter. If you have read your newsletter of the past three or four years, and my reports therein, you will know full well my views and opinions on that word "compensation" as compared to “pensions and recognition”. Many of us accuse our new Labour Government of doing a "U-turn" on us. Yes, in a sense, they have, or could it be they no longer trust us. Roth Ken and I stood tall within the walls of Parliament and addressed both Members of the House of Lords and House of Commons of all parties. We stood tall, looked them straight in the eyes and told them, in a polite but no uncertain manner: "We do not seek fabulous sums of money. We ask only for just pensions and recognition. All we seek is justice." What happened - under the BNTVA banner we went to the European Court of Human Rights and asked respectively for Sim, £10m, and £1.4m. What Government in any country could afford or even consider paying this kind of money to thousands of affected veterans of the affected children or grand-children of veterans. The fight that must continue and never he put aside or surrendered, is the fight for our innocent children and grand-children for monies to look after them and give them a better quality of life. Other questions put to me include: "Who selected our three cases? Why are they all from Glasgow? I can and could only answer: “Sorry, I just don't know." One can only assume that Mr Anderson thought these would be the best cases to pursue in the European courts. Hopefully, come the time of the AGM in Blackpool (April 25), the findings of the court will be known and Mr Anderson will attend from New York to relate to us cveiything from A-Z. Whatever their findings, we BNTVA must stick together as friends and comrades and remain true to each other in our cause in that all we seek is justice. □ Now get your diaries and calendars ready and check the Dates for your Diary in this issue. Make sure you pencil them in. Attend our services and remember absent friends. June H)9S marks five years since the Rt.Hon. Neil Kinnock unveiled our Memorial Stone in Risen, South Wales. The Royal British Legion in Risen have written to me suggesting we have a sendee on June 14 in Risen as well as our annual service in October. I have agreed and have written to Neil and his good wife Glynis (now a Euro MP) inviting them to attend during which the Rev.Richard Pain will re-dedicale our Memorial. Peter and (iron Williams will give you full details when the final arrangements are complete. Give them a ring. Don’t forget Remembrance Sunday November 8 at the Cenotaph in London. I should have tickets to hand by October so please see your local representative or send me a stamp addressed envelope if you wish to attend and parade. Ken Taylor and Don James will again play hosts to our contingent in the Elephant and Castle following the Sendee. □ News is that Don is not too well. We all wish him well and a speedy recoveiy. Mike Reid. Executive Committee member and North East representative, underwent serious surgeiy to his spine. Thankfully he is getting better, but still in severe pain. Keep smiling Mike. In fact to all of you, be you fit and well or off colour, try to keep smiling - every cloud has a silver lining somewhere. q At the start of my report it may have appeared that I said no-one is doing any work because things are at a standstill. I stand corrected. Work still goes on, lot’s and lot’s of hard work especially by our Secretary Sheila who. along with our dear friend Sue Rabbit Roff, is working on the Dundee Study not one or two days a week, hut seven days a week. On top of this she is constantly in touch with Ian Anderson in New York and Ken in Glasgow typing and faxing letters worldwide. Slow down Sheila for your own health’s sake. □ The Dundee Study. Have you completed your questionnaire and returned it? If not please do so as a matter of urgency. If you haven’t received a copy or you have mislaid the original one. then ask Sheila for another one. I will not lie and I herewith confess that I was one of the guilty one’s. It was some ten weeks before I returned mine - very remiss of me. This study is of the utmost importance for all of us. These people are working on behalf of ns veterans, our widows, our children and their children. So please return your questionnaire as quickly as possible. Your answers are all in the strictest confidence and it is all in your interest. □ Have their been any new adverse developments in your health or your offspring? If so please notify Sheila Gray so she can keep your records updated. I cannot stress too strongly how vital this information can be. For example, my own health. No, I am not crying or looking for sympathy. Those of you who really know me are aware of this, but this is my timetable of illness. 198 3 - joined BNTVA. Health reasonable but chesty. 1987 - Diagnosed blood cancer. 1990 - Diagnosed chronic obstructive airways disease (irreversible). Told 1 had maybe two or three years left to live. 1987 - pension for 20% disability awarded for blood cancer. 1991 - pension for C.O.A.I). denied (appealed). 1997 - War Pensions agreed with their area consultant that I be given a lung scan re pension appeal. Scan showed no fibrosis - appeal denied. Area consultant told me: "Sorry, that’s how he sees it in life." However, he writes: ":The temple of truth lies in the autopsy room when tissues can be taken. Radiation changes can take place in many parts of the body." A lot of good that will do me. Parts of my body already donated to the NRPB and Dundee University - the balance interred in St.Helens Cemetery. Then they’ll discover: "Oh yes, it was radiation poisoning after all." 1998 - still alive, still fighting for myself and others. Now on a concentrated oxygen machine for 10 hours a day for the rest of my life plus a monthly prescription for nine items plus stand-by oxygen cylinders and, at least once a month, two anti-biotic items for lung infection. I think the National Health Service is wonderful. It is just the faceless b........ds in the corridors of the M.o.D. and the W.P.A. who get me down and make me sick. Just five weeks ago a dear friend, Ivor Grossmith (R.N. MOntc Bello 1952), passed away. He always maintained it was our Test (Monte Bello) that caused his ill health - no chance says you know who. What did the autopsy find - yes, you’ve guessed it, radiation poisoning found in his stom­ ach. There is a hymn that says: “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus Ye Soldiers of the Cross". Why not add "Stand Up, Stand Up for Justice Ye Nuke Tests Vets." □ Now in closing I would once again like to say my heartfelt thanks to Peter Wyklc and. of course, our own Ken Taylor, for giving us this Easter newslet­ ter and the envelopes. On behalf of us all Peter, thank you. Our thanks also to Blackpool Council and Mrs Margaret Roffey and the staff at Blackpool Tourist Board for yet again providing us with our AGM venue at The Horseshoe Bar. See you all there (please do attend) and don’t forget the Church Parade and Service the following day at the Salvation Army Citadel. Remember, Saturday April 25th and Sunday April 20th. On behalf of my wife Hilda and myself many, many thank you's for your letters and cards sending messages of congratulations and good wishes on my M.B.E. award in The Queen’s Birthday Honours list last June. I received my medal from HRH Princess Anne last October and my thanks to Don James who arranged our accommoda­ tion for that occasion. □ PS: The Australian Atomic Commemorative Medal and Ribbon for service in Japan, Monte Bello, Maralinga, Malden and Christmas Islands, now available again. Please write or phone me for details.

Peter Fletcher

News in Brief □Association and Grapple plaques still available at a cost of VS a pair (matching) plus Vl.OOpp for framed version. The Shield mounted one’s are V10 plus the VI postage. State which plaque and style is required and send your cheque to Sid Hardwick, 20 Edinburgh Road, Portsmouth POl IDE (Tel: 01705-822805), □ TWO hooks still available and well worth buying. ‘Megaton Mornings” by Charles Hall tells of his experiences on Christmas Island and costs V5 post paid (VI donation to BNTVA). Send to Charles at Chase Cottage, The Chase, Askingdon, Essex (Tel: 01702-201659). □’Christmas Island - the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time’ by Jim Haggas. Written by one of our own members it costs £4.99 and can he pur­ chased from Jim at 7 Battersby Close, Yarm, Stockport, Cleveland TSI5 9 ICY (Tel: 01642-784357).

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iX ERE’S another trip down memory lane submitted by S E Hall (front centre) and it shows the B Site boys of Plant Troop, 38 Squadron, Royal Engineers, 63 Squadron Christmas Island. Drop us a line if you recognise anyone in the picture.

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ecognise anyone in this photograph of the boys on JOC Site having their Xmas party on Christmas Island in December 1957. A Adcock of 2 Ave Du General De Gaulle, 94240 L’Hay-LesRoses, France, wants to know. He would wel•d come contact from any­ 5 one who served with i him at that time.

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RBL CONSIDERING A CHANGE OF LINE-UP A REQUEST has been received to review the traditional order of march of the six columns of ex-Service personnel and War Widows/Widowers marching past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. The third column C and fifth column E customarilv have always composed of ex-Royal Air Force and ex-Royal Navy/Marines personnel. The remaining four columns. A, 13, D and F, are filled from the proportionally greater number of ex-Army personnel. War Widows/Widowers and eligible Royal British Legion members from the Regions. No standards, flags or banners are carried, no uniforms or badges of rank arc worn as an agreed policy. All those on parade are there to pay their respects and to remember those who gave their lives in Service. The Legion wants to presene this policy, hut it has been seeking members views so that those in the rear columns could have a turn at the front. If the majority agree the following change (deadline for a response was March 24) could be in operation this year-Column A being placed in Column F and all other column contingents moving up a column. Over a six year period all six columns will have rotated naturally. 1 contacted our Executive Committee by

BY PETER FLETCHER phone and it was decided unanimously that we rotate the columns annually. We now await the results of the vote. Every year I request 100 tickets for the Parade, but although these are taken up by Area representatives and/or individual memhers, our contingent is never 100 strong, Last year 64 members attended. I shall again apply for 100 tickets. Those wishing to attend send me a s.a.e in October. Once again we received comments from members as to why BBC Television does not mention the BNTVA (we were seen briefly on screen). Please remember, that for any commentator and his team to name or mention everyone on parade is impossible in the time allowed. He could do it if the RBL gave him a complete list of all Regiments and Associations - and four to five hours to read them out. It is nice to be. seen and mentioned, but just remc,nber w,l>’ lak<‘ part in the parade (paragraph :3 of this article) - to pay our respects and to remember those who gave their lives in or through service of their King/Queen and Country.

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B.N.T.V.A. NOTICE BOARD /"TAN you help. It is now years since tons of dis­ accorded equipment, scrap vehicles, were hiden from sight buried on Christmas Island. Has anyone any idea of the location of these sites - if so contact me. It is important to find these dumps as the fresh water supplies an* becoming contaminated and unfit to drink. The Christmas Island Appeal was formed on .January 1st. 199$, by a small gmup of people who lived and witnessed the devastation left on the Island after the Nuclear Tests of 1950 and 1964. The Appeal is a voluntarily operated organisation and the officials and committee are all volunteers. All those involved have lived on Christmas Island and have seen the extent of the problems caused by abandoned debri after the tests. The aim of the organisation is to seek positive measures to address all the serious problems being faced by the Islanders. The scale and damage is tangible and can be eliminated. They aim to support the Kiribati Government in their official request to the British Government to cany out a clean-up operation and make good dam­ age caused by the debris left behind by the M.o.D.: to encourage the Kiribati Government to ensure that a safe environment is restored for the people of Christmas Island: to provide support and practical assistance for the Islanders: and to enable the Appeal to provide the required help for the Islanders. If you want to help contact Pat Hurley (cx-RAF) Chairman. rphis short article entitled Coincidence comes from Bernard Bosson: Abraham Lincoln was elected to the Presidency in 1860 and John F Kennedy in I960. Both their wives lost children through death whilst at the White House. Both Presidents were shot on a Friday in the presence of their wives and both were shot in the head from behind. Their successors, both named Johnson, were Southern Democrats and both were in the Senate. Andrew Johnson was born in 1808 and Lyndon Johnson in 1908. John Wilkie Booth. Lincoln's killer, was bom in 1839. Lee Harvey Oswald’s killer was bom in 1939. Both murderers were Southerners favouring unpopular ideas and both were assassinated before their trials. Lincoln's secretary, whose name was Kennedy, advised him not to go the theatre in which he was killed. Kennedy’s secretary, whose name was Lincoln, advised him not to go to Dallas where he was killed. Lee Haney Oswald shot Kennedy from a warehouse and ran into a theatre. John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln from a theatre and ran into a ware­ house. TTTvN McGinley found the picture JAfin the right of himself with Bob Hubbard. They were good pals and were together at Port Camp in 1959. Bob’s mum always send Ken a Xmas card and be says thanks for her sup­ port since Bob died in 1988.

TV*rok Berry, Curator of the xJMuseum of I1MAS Cerhcrbus at Western Port Victoria 3920 Australia. BNTVA member and an ex-member of H M S Campania who served at Britain’s first Atomic Test in the Monte Bello Islands in 15)52, writes to say: “I am keen to research the involvement of both the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy and from that □ Ken Graham was interested in John Cole’s article in the research publish a book. The proSeptember Issue. He was manager of the RAOC Special Unit foot^ OYnr>„cnc will ill iu» ball team that played in the final referred to. *T still have the donated to the BNTVA 1992 and programme dated 9th August 1958. John was very modest not to mention his side won 5-0. but I was proud of our team, a squad of its Australian counterpart. So I thirty sick, lame and lazy. Our eleven (pictured above) was: a,o onxtous to get hold of phoClaridge, Lukenhurst, Belsham, Ward, McGinley (capt), A tographs (copies if neecssaiy), Atkinson, Cooper, Stovell, King, Stevenson and H Atkinson. If newspaper cuttings, cartoons, any of them are still about ring me on 01895-636400. lists of ships companies etc and to hear about humorous events that T)eter Halfpenny of 12 Kildray Avenue. will help me relate the story from a sailors point of JL Drumehapel, Glasgow GI5 8RS writes to say view. I have received copy No 158 of the Campania he was with HMS Resolution on Christmas Island Chronicle datedf 14th December, 1952. Any idea in 1958 and would like to hear from anyone who where the other 157 copies are? All donations will served with him. Names he recalls are LS Pretty, be acknowledged in the publication, but it will he LS Richardson. AB Phillips, AB Bryant and AB difficult to rc-imbursc postage so perhaps you Marsha m. could consider this a donation towards the fight to get Government acceptance that some Veterans T’S reunion time. HMS Narvik from 1956-59 are have illnesses attributed to the Tests. All material holding a third reunion this year on Friday 8th will be returned. May. For further details contact Rod Jenkins at 38 Paston Ridings, Poston, Peterborough PE4 7UR or TTT^N Taylor wants to know if anyone can help call him on 01733-751019. XVliim with details about CpI Jim Pcrriman 4030533. Between 14th January 1963 and 17th obAslctt from 17 The Green, Littleham. December 1963, Jim was posted to the RAF Exmouth, Devon, wants to send this message to Support Unit in Australia and served as a Cook 11 all BNTVA members: “Our Association was born in one of the messes at Maralinga Village. During and has developed because of the wish and need to this time he became attached to the Royal be recognised and, perhaps, even compensated for Australian Air Force mobile unit. I believe he was the service we gave to our countiy and our the only RAF person detached for these patrols. Government. Time we spent in places many of us had never even heard of and in tests which few peo­ His duties were: (1) Cooking meals in the mess/field kitchen. (2) Patrolling the firing ple knew or even suspected the outcome of. The ranges, keeping the Aborigines off the area consid­ fight has dragged on for many years and at long ered to be unsafe due to residual radiation. last we have “had our day in court" in Strasbourg. (3) Recovering the firing mechanisms from the At the time of writing. I for one had heard nothing atomic experiments. about the result of the hearing, but it occurs to me I did not meet Jim until 1980. This information is that whichever way the courts decide, it could spell what he told me and has been confirmed by his the end of our Association. Assuming the decision is brother Les Pcrriman. Jim married and had a son in our favour then many of our members will say in 1982. Mrs Perriinan says her late husband died "We’ve won and that’s it". If. however, the court on 2nd May 1989 aged 58, from a very rare form of goes against us. the feeling may be that there is no cancer. She strongly believes this was contracted point in earning on. Hither way we may lose a when he was exposed to radiation at .Maralinga great many of our members. Don’t let this happen. Whether we win or lose at Strasbourg, we Range. She is part-way through a pensions appeal tribunal which has been adjourned so she can must keep the Association going if for no gather further information and evidence to sup­ other reason than the support and com­ port her case. It is paramount she finds out exactly radeship which we arc able to give each other. Also the long hard battle which has what his duties were. Please ring Ken. been fought by Ken McGinley and bis LOVELY letter from David and Doreen Brown team on our behalf must not be allowed to of the West Yorkshire branch: “Just had to fade into obscurity. ALL WE SEEK IS write to let all members know what an enjoyable JUSTICE - but even if we don’t get it. let week-end we had at the Christinas Island reunion us stick together as the friends we have at Weston Super Mare last October. The food and always been since we came together back entertainment were excellent and at a price that in the 1950 s.

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B.N.T.V.A. NOTICE BOARD didn’t break the hank. It was really well organised so well done Chris and Jim and we look forward to the next reunion - well worth the drive from West Yorkshire. OY Prescott and I are in touch with the National Association of Atomic Veterans in the US. They arc particularly anxious to record the health data of all veterans involved in the Dominic 1 Series held on Christmas Island in 19(52. Boy and I are possession of their Medical History and data request forms. We are in touch with a dozen or so ex-I)ominic men, hut if there are anymore out there, please contact me, Dave Savage, of Boy at: 34 Prioiy Lands. Strotton. Burton-on-Trent, Staffs DE130HJ.

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A N appeal from Peter Morgan of 25 Youngman 01223232011): I AM looking for anyone who worked with me when 1 was attached to 1323 Flight and sta­ tioned at BAAF Lavcrton. I and a Johnny Biddle were responsible for the safety equipment and our Sergeant was SgtAVatts. According to the M.o.D. I was never in Melbourne or Darwin and I had to swear an affadavit and show them memorabilia I had brought hack from Australia It would he good to talk over old times with someone who was also there so please get in touch.

jTjLAvenue, Histon, Cambridge (Tel:

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T was with some interest I read John Carr’s Noticchoard contribution in September. I arrived on Chcristmas Island courtesy of the Bibbv Line and the MV Cheshire in August 195(5, and having an electrical trade I spent much of my time erect­ ing overhead cables. But that’s another story. After the third test in June 1957,1 was fortunate in getting a period of leave in Honolulu. The trans­ port to and from the Hawaii Islands was on an air­ craft Carrier, H.MS Warrior, en-route to Pearl Harbour for the bow repairs mentioned by John Carr. My enduring memory of the voyage north from Christmas Island was of us bedding down in rows on the hanger deck, reminiscent of the illustra­ tions from the slave ship era; of the ship being bat­ tened down because of a howling storm; and of the overpowering stuffiness and odour (as some were not as good sailors as others). The only respite from the conditions below deck was to stand at the forward end of the boat deck sheltering at the top of the gangway. I spent hours there mesmerised by the power of the storm, with the seas throweing the ship about like a cork and even- second wave crashing over the flight deck, and the water cascading off the sides above me. We spent many happy hours during our stay in Honolulu, investigating the delights of Hotel Street and in the Pool Rooms at the bottom of the street, showing off to the local inhabitants our skill at snooker after the pool-room manager had unearthed a dusty box of snooker halls from the hack of a store room. The only note of sadness with our trip was on hearing the news that one of our number had

drowned on Waikiki Beach after being pulled down by the under-current which unfortunately accompanies the impressive rollers and breakers. On our return to Christmas Island, names were taken from those who wished to return home on H.MS Warrior on its farewell trip via South America. I, sadly, did not have sufficient service left to allow me to take the trip, hut maybe some­ one who did might write and tell us how it was. I was demobbed in October 1957 and returned home to Greenock. After that, during my remaining months of 1957 and into 1958,1 was working in Glasgow and travelled frequently between the two by train. It was on one such journey that I recognised the ship in dock at Smiths Shipbrcakers, Port Glasgow. It was H.MS Warrior, having made its final trip. From John Boss. (Spr 23221883.71 Fid Squadron BE. Workshop Troop), now of 50 Balmoral Boad, Elderslie. by Johnstone, Benfrcwshirc PA5 9BA.

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OB Smith. Scottish Standard Bearer, writes from II Holykhousc Crescent, Lennoxtown, Scotland: “I have never exactly been credited with being sensible. Perhaps I’m a hit like Archie Boss, people don’t expect me to he sen­ sible about anything. This is why I ask myself, on a cold but bright October 21st 1997, and with the wind shooting right up my khyber: What am I doing in the middle of this field?" To explain, the field is the site of the new National Arboretum which is to be a living memorial to the people who sacri­ ficed so much in the wars of this century, although it is mainly designed to he trees donated by vari­ ous regiments and organisations. It will include a War Widows Bose Garden, a two acre poppy field sponsored by the Breitish Legion and a forest of ten hectares where even’ tree will represent a ship sunk, and a crew lost. There will be a replica of the Kohiina Tennis Court in a bamboo maze and a plinth hearing a famous quotation. Various other trees will be planted including those on Millenium Avenue, which will he of lime trees propogated from a 2000 year old lime tree, alive during the time of Christ. I first read about the project in Soldier magazine and having received the information I decided to purchase a tree myself. I have also spoken to Commander David Childs, Director of the project, and explained about our Association and the diffi­ culty getting something to represent Christmas Island. For those who, like myself, served in Australia, it was a fairly simple thing to get a eucalyptus tree.

When I got the donation forms I saw that any donation of over £250 would enable the fund to claim tax relief. Having received a small legacy and working on the principle that what you haven’t had you will never miss, I purchased a sig­ nificant plot on behalf of the Association. Any indi­ vidual or Branch donation will be most welcome. Why include us? Why not! Our Association and its members have made just as big a sacrifice as any - the fact we have so many widows is lasting proof of that. I may never get to Alrowas and the site or see my little hit of “lack of sense" come to fruition, hut I hope some of you will join my craziness and plant a tree for the future remembering the past. Send any donation to: The National Memorial Arboretum Appeal, Europa House, 13-17 Ironmonger Bow, London EC1V3QN. Don’t forget, if you have a story or a picture you would like us to include in the magazine, please send it to Peter Fletcher.

ABOVE; The social gatherings of BNTVA members in and around Exeter in South Devon took on a whole new meaning in December. The meetings, organised by Brit Merritt and Bob Aslett, are usually held every three months at the White Ensign Club in Exeter and are enjoyed by a dozen or so members, many of whom come from as far as Sidmouth, Crediton and Torquay. In December though the meeting took the form of a Xmas lunch at the Lord Nelson in Topsham. However, due to several reasons, mainly the weather, only nine members were able to attend, but those who did enjoyed an excellent meal including a small gift for the ladies present. We are always looking for new members and Bob and Brit would like to hear from anyone wanting to join “The Gang”. Please ring on 01395-264940 (Bob) or 01395-269272 (Brit).

Around the Branches LAST year proved to be a sad time for our branch. Cyril Montague, who was a regular in the Marines, sadly passed away. Very many thanks to Chris Rowlands and Peter Fletcher. MBK. for providing three Standard Bearers and a Bugler at his funeral. Cyril's wife Barbara decided that all donations should go to the BNTVA 1992 funds and this is why our branch donated $500. We an* so grateful to Barbara. All our members were disgusted by the Government’s decision to contest the BNTVA hearing in Strasbourg, but congratulations to all who represented our fight there. We are also concerned about the poor response from branches who did submit reports for our magazine. John Ashcroft, one of our members, who has been suf­ fering cattaracts. has donated a painting he did whilst suffering from this ailment. It is a marvel­ lous work of art and will be auctioned or raffled at the AGM. John Cole South Cheshire/North Staffs

attended along with one of our local MP's. Syd Rapsom. The Lord Mayor unveiled the Commemorative Stone in the Cathedral grounds. Thanks to Derek Fiddaman and his Tuts’, several members were able to attend the Strasbourg hearings to support the BNTVA ease. They say this was ably pre­ sented by Ian Anderson and we, like many others, would like to thank Ian for his help and expertise in seeking justice for the members and families. We also think that reaching the highest court in Europe. after many years hard work, is an achievement which Ken McGInlev and Ian Anderson can be justly proud of. Norman A pi in Portsmouth

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opening files even though many still remain closed. It is still not clear whether or not a Freedom of Information Act will improve things because files can still be retained on the grounds of national security. Incidentally, the UK refuses to open US documents and vice-versa without the permission of the other. Fair enough, but suspicion of an international conspiracy is not hard to imagine. Our next meeting is Saturday 4th April. 11198 (1pm) at the Koval Kngineers Museum, Krompton Barracks. Chatham. If you intend to come along or you need a lift then give me a call on 0181-555-24(50 so that I can make arrangements for travel and refreshments. All arc wel­ come. The AGM takes place on Saturday 25th April (1.30) in The Paradise Rooms. Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. If you need a lift or accommodation, give me a call. Let’s try and make it a bumper atten­ dance. I Sid Rapsom" Peter Fletcher On a personal note, I have both sad and happy ’ and Rev.Canon Michael Yorke news to give you. Firstly I have to say sadly at Portsmouth Cathedral. that Pam’s father passed away on February 8. W ■■DRj~Tji| Over the years he has been a great help in fill­ ing and addressing envelopes. Thanks Stan you will be missed very much. Now the happy i*S>' news. I am proud to announce the arrival of . our first Grand-daughter. Lauren, to join our three Grandson’s. Congratulations to Lorraine and Patrick.

■ r.I WOULD like to start by wishing all Association members a belated Happy and Prosperous New |r Year. Thanks to hard work by those Branch mem­ bers who regularly attend our meetings, we are now in a position to start making enquiries into the laying of a Commemorative Stone. Enquiries are in hand with Leeds City Council fora possible site in the Garden of Remembrance and a reply is awaited. Hopefully the laying cere­ \ mony will take place in late summer. I would like to thank Peter Fletcher for all the assistance and advice he has given me with regards to the Stone. The branch can still offer sweatshirts and polo shirts at reasonable prices and there is a cardigan for The Roy Castle Cancer Research Centre in Liverpool is the ladies with the same logo as the sweatshirts. If at the heart of research into the causes and possible you’re interested send me a stamp addressed envelope cures for lung cancer with an international reputation. and 1 will send an order form. Peter Fletcher informs Sadly the centre is run mostly by voluntary donations me that he is working on obtaining a Memorial Stone and to this end I am involved with fund-raising at my for West Yorkshire and when dates are settled he will local RBL. City of Liverpool branch. If any member notify me. would like to make a donation, however small. I would George Robertson be most grateful. Cheques should be made payable to - West Yorkshire The Roy Castle Appeal, account payee, e/o Chris Rowlands. 14 Monksdown Road, Liverpool LI 1 1HH. FOR new members in the area, if you want to hold a Once again the AGM is here. Where does the time go? meeting somewhere local, please contact me. We had a The branch is still just about ticking over with a small \etractive branch up till two or three years ago. but I hardcore attending the meetings. Perhaps the April am sorry to report that with the death of some very meeting will see a deal more interest with the result active branch members, the numbers at meetings fell from Europe hopefully available. On a more optimistic front, two years ago Liverpool off to an uuviable attendance. Come on let’s makes waves again. City Council decided to include War Pensions for Re Christmas Island Reunion: If you did not attend the assessment of benefits. They have now gone back to the last reunion you missed a treat. No stuffy meetings. disregard. Amazing what Right with Might can Nobody pontificating. .Inst four good days of meetings achieve. new friends and. in some cases, veiy old friends. A four I receive quite a lot of mail enclosing cheques for sub­ scriptions. Would you please send them direct to Bill day party put on by Pontius ably assisted by Chris and Jim Roll is scheduled again for October 1999 so put a Kittseu and save both time and postage. Likewise I get date in your diaries. telephone calls asking for information of one kind or Derek Heaps another. Please, I am not being awkward, but I will not East Midlands divulge this over the phone. Finally, may I wish you all Good Health and Fortune as I am away for the AGM. Chris Rowlands THE Portsmouth branch hold their meetings on the last Merseyside Tuesday of each month (except December) at 8pm and they an* held in the Ex-Servicemens Club, Fratton OUR condolensces go out to the Grossmith family from Road. We usually got about 10 members at each meet­ Margate whose Father, Ivor, passed away in early ing- a sixth of our membership. If you live locally come February. John Collins and myself attended the funeral along because we are always pleased to see fresh faces. - thanks John. Thank you to the family for making us Our contribution to the BNTVA calendar of events this welcome. The Ministry of Defence promised to release year was tin* annual Memorial Service at Portsmouth 200 files by the end of the year. Unfortunately we are still waiting for about 20 of them. Much of the informa­ Cathedral (see picture) marking the anniversary of the tion contained in these files had been previously first ships to sail to Monte Bello from Portsmouth in released, but at least they are now moving towards 1952. Despite the wet weather, about 50 members

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Ken Taylor London Branch f * r 1 i |

JUST a few rods to let you know that we arc still around and in reasonable health at the moment. 1 attended the hearing at the European Court of Human Rights and we hope the result will come soon. When it does the media will let us all know. Just hope that it is

in our favour.

A word of warning to the people who attend our annu­ al Memorial Sendee at Risca the first Sunday in October and order the video when it is broadcast after­ wards in the Social Club. Please don’t pay until the video has been delivered to you. Several people have contacted us this year to say they are still waiting for the video after paying up front. Arrangements are being made for the Re-Dedication Sendee of our Memorial Stone in Risca on Sunday 14th June 1998. The Kev.Richard Pain will again conduct the sendee. It is five years since the Rt.Hon. Neil Kinnoek unveiled the Memorial and hopefully Neil will attend again. Please contact me for further details on 01558-822141. See you at the AGM on April 25. Peter & Gron Williams South Wales SEVERAL members have recently been interviewed and featured on West Country television’s evening news programmes. I was interviewed over the phone by BBC local radio and I have also been featured in the local newspapers. Several members have also been interviewed over the airways and new faces have contacted us recently ask­ ing to join the BNTVA. A hearty welcome to all these new members. It is surprising to learn that there are many nuclear veterans who have never heard of BNTVA 1992.1 myself did not know of the Association’s existence until I wrote to the RAFA in the late 1980’s. I find it so disturbing to come across so many veter­ ans who suffer from illnesses which are most obviously associated with being present at nuclear testing sites. Also associated illnesses being passed on to future generations through the genetic system causing abnor­ malities to veterans children and grand-children. How can successive Government’s continually say these con­ ditions are not a special case. Noel Bendy Devon A: Cornwall

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□ The photograph was taken at RAF Dishforth in Yorkshire on December 14th. 1956, and has been submittwed by East Midlands representative. Derek Heaps. The picture is of the formation of 1325 flight Dakota’s and the founder members before flying off to Christmas Island. I can only remember the following names: Front row (5th left) - Warrant Officer Yeo i/c aircraft serving, (8th left) - Squadron Leader Joe Hurst, CO. (12th left) Master Pilot Boyes. Middle row (8th left) - Gerry Barnes from South Shields. (16th left) - Cpl Pete Dodds. Back Row (18th left) - Ginger Mace from Hull, (22nd left ) - Derek Heaps. About seventeen of us flew from Dishforth in the first week of January, 1957. arriving at Christmas Island on 18th January as the advance party before the Dakotas arrived We went out in a Hastings TG537 piloted by Fl.Lt Barrel. Can anyone fill in the missing places or have they all passed on to the great squadron in the sky? I hope not.

This poem has been sub­ mitted by David Hunter (S.A.C., ATG Antler) and was written when he was 19 and sitting in the Antler comforts at Edinburgh Field.

When Atom tests were held down under, the “Aim" man began to wonder, would he see the last of man, of tucker box and billycan? He watched it all in silent mirth. He saw them alter all the earth, and in the place he used to linger, is now a town called Maralinga. Then there came a mighty throng, who sat down by his Billahong, They chased him out of house and home (and then installed a telephone); And so the Adam man did flee (for not a sci­ entist was he); He took his wife

and all his things, and took the road to Alice Springs. And so we moved in with our gear, with aeroplanes, with crates of beer, the aerodrome, it took some form (hut blimey was the weather warm), and when we all had done our best, the place was ready for the test. When the bomb went, hell for leather (first it waited for the weather), the “Abo” man was sore amazed as all at once the ground was razed; he never c’re heard such a hang, not even from his boomerang. And so at length he homeward trod, across the land not owned by God, his weary eyes sun eyed the sceneunting ground had been: The place that was his fatherland was nothing now hut blasted sand.

* The following is submit­ ted by Mary Car berry of 49 Wybourn Grove, Balklachurry Park, Onchan, Isle of Man. Through the years I searched to why my son had an illness, noone had an answer, they said it was a syndrome, No-one knew why. Nor did I, Until 1 saw the video Children of the Bomb. There was the connection, It was all in black and white. That their fathers in the Forces, Had witnessed mushroom clouds.

Who would have thought. Who Would believe. Not only our veter­ ans, our children would suffer year after year. These children deserved at the least some help, robbed of their birthright before they were born. Their fathers had no choice when witnessing the bomb. If only you knew the struggle we have, some say at least your son is alive. The British Government denies they were at fault, they said noone had suffered from radioactive fall.

Daniel’s wish is granted Here’s a touching letter from six year old Daniel Kittson of Waterloo Mount, Pudsev. West Yorkshire, to Peter Fletcher; l hope you had a good Xmas and a Happy New Year as I had a nice Xmas. I am writing to ask you a big favour. Since I’ve been the mascot for the BNTVA. I have met some very nice people. At the AG.M in 1997,1 was real­ ly happy and proud of the way the vets accepted me and made me feel wel­ come. I was really proud to meet and have my photo taken with Ken McGinley plus being able to march in the Parade with you all on the Sunday. So I’m hoping that the photo which l had taken with you and the Rev, Nicholas Fruyling could be published in the magazine and please say how PROUD I am to he the BNTVA mascot. I am looking forward to seeing you all again in April. Take care, see you soon - love from Daniel.

News in Brief News in Brief News in Brief □Sheila Gray wants to remind members Crainlington, Northumberland. Colonel that if there is any change in the health of Shephard, who suffered a heart attack, was yourself or your children or grand-children, the OC of the Special RAOC UNit on tell her right away. Medical records must Christmas Island from 1956-57. he kept up to date in view of the Dundee □Ken Taylor wants to thank Don dames. Study being carried out and all information Bill Kittscn and all those involved in the presentation of plaques to him and his wife must go to Sheila in writing. □The death of Colonel E G Shephard, a Pam on behalf of the Association after last Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, has been year’s Remembrance Day parade in reported to us by Major E \V Campbell of I/mdon.

British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association (1992) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN: Ken McGinley 12 Walpole Place Johnston Renfrewshire PA5 ORE Tel/Fax: 01505-704936 VICE-CHAIRMAN: Peter Fletcher, MBE “Monte Bello” 134 Clipsley Lane Haydock St.Helens WA11 0UB Tel: 01744-29636 SECRETARY: Sheila Gray (Mrs) 11 Grosmont Drive Billingham Cleveland TS23 2EP Tel/Fax: 01642-559903

TREASURER: Bill Kittsen 28 West over Green Bramlev, Leeds LS13 3SO Tel: 0113-2361123

Mike Reid 70 Rochdale Road Redhouse Estate Sunderland SR5 5QQ Tel: 0191-549-7620

SOLICITOR: Mark Mildred 67 Sisters Avenue London SW11 5SW TEL: 0171-228-1321

Mike Doyle 11 Waverley Place Stamford, Lines PE9 1BJ Tel: 01780-65622

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY

Ken Taylor 56 Eastbourne Road Stratford, London E15 Tel: 0181-555-2644

Chris Rowlands 14 Monksdown Road Liverpool Lll 1HH 0151-2566688 Bobbie Brewster (Mrs) 61 Cedar Road, Hythe Southampton S04 6PS Tel: 01703-844489

CHAPLAIN: Rev.Nicholas Frayling Rector of Liverpool Liverpool Parish Church Old Church Yard, Liverpool

BRANCH REPRESENTATIVES Mike Reid (N E England) 70 Rochdale Road, Redhouse Estate, Sunderland SR5 5QQ Tel: 0191-549-7620 John Lowe (Manchester) 45 Sheldrake Road, Broadheath, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5LJ Tel: 0161-941-2164 Peter Bullen (North and Mid Wales) Penlan Mill Cottage, Llandegai, Bangor, Gwynnd LLS7 4LG Tel: 01248-352708 Tom Kitching (Humberside) 5 Ellerby Grove, Preston Road, Hull HU9 3PR Tel: 01482-793082 Chris Rowland (Liverpool) 14 Monksdown Road Liverpool Lll 1HH Tel: 0151-2566688 Archie Ross (West Mids) 230 Burton Road, Woodville, Nr Burton-on-Trent Staffs DE11 7JR Tel: 01283-222113

Noel Hendy (Devon & Cornwall) 2 Bowdens Row, West End, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 2TS Tel: 01209-214814 Peter and Gron Williams (South Wales), 27 Heol Mvrddin, Ffairfach, Llandeilo SA19 6PD Tel: 01558-822141 Dave Riley (Portsmouth) 190 Locksway Road, Milton, Portsmouth P04 8LE Tel: 01705-735669 Ken Taylor (London) 56 Eastbourne Road, Stratford, London E15 Tel: 0181-555-2644 Bernard Canovan (Lancashire) 18 Bog Heights Road, Darwin, Lancs BB3 0AW Tel: 01254-771499 John Cole (Sth Cheshire/North Staffs) 5 Byron Close, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 1JT Tel: 01270-589980 Derek Heaps (East Midlands) 4 Bakewell Drive, Castle Donnington, Derby DE7 2NF Tel: 01332-811429 Paul Rowles (Kent) 4 Huntsmans Close, Rochester, Kent ME1 2RD Tel: 01634-828827

Ken Leyland (Canada) 8840 Douglas Street, Box 2121, Port Hardy, BC Canada, Von-2PO Tel: 001-250-9498914 Pat Hurley (Milton Keynes) 24 Caxton Road, Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes, Bucks MK12 50PG Tel: 01908-313024 Jim McGowan 125 Whitburn Street Carntyne, Glasgow G32 6RP Tel: 0141-778-6954 Jim Crossan (Australia) 86 Waygara Avenue, Green Valley, New South Wales 2168, Australia Andrew Blosse (Sussex) “Penrose” Orchard Dell West Chiltington West Sussex RH20 2LB Tel: 01798-812025 George Robertson (West Yorks) 64 Deighton Lane Healv, Batley, Wakefield, West Yorks WF17 7EU Tel: 01924-478301

bills FINAL RESPECTS TO W1FRED EWART OULTON St. Clement Danes Central Church of the Royal Air Force, a thanksgiving service for the life of Air Vice Marshall Wilfred Ewart Oulton, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., 1911-1997. Task Force Commander of Grapple Christmas Island

BY BOBBIE BREWSTER

o

N the bright, very cold morning of 23rd January, John and I attended the above service. When you first step into the church, you find yourself just “standing and staring". The windows of reamy antique glass allow light to stream into the church creating ever changing pat­ terns of light and shade. The vaulted ceiling is the most spectacular as arc the three stained glass windows. At your feet, set into the floor, is a rossett formed by the badges of the Commonwealth Air Forces surrounding the badge of the Royal Air Force. The Squadron unit badges, sculpted in Welsh slate, are embedded in the floor and as you look around you will notice the squadron standards that have been given into the keeping of the church. When you look back towards the West door it is a

good place from which to admire the curving gallery around both sides of the church where, in fact, the choir stood. In the centre, facing the altar, is the magnificent organ which was a gift from the American Air Force. This is just a brief description of what I am trying to share with you. Several elderly ushers were standing about in their long tailed morning suits. .lohn and I had met Leticia Oulton and Wilf before, but as we had not met their son’s we had to seek out Air Commodore Peter Oulton and Robin Oulton, to introduce our­ selves - the latter being the person who invited us. We found our seats. Music before the service was David of the While Rock, trad Welsh air. and Nimrod from Engima Variations by Elgar. The music during the service was by the Choir of St. Clement Danes. The Service was conducted by the Rev.David MacKcnzie assisted by the Rev. Leslie Brant. Rev. MacKcnzie did the bidding, prayer then a hymn. The first reading; Ecclesiasticus 44 v 1 13 read by Marshall of the RAF, Sir Michael Beetham, GCB.,

CBE., RFC., AFC., DL. Then an anthem “How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place". Second reading "Funeral Oration of Pericles" read by Air Commodore A E Neale, AFC. Another hymn and a third reading-one of my favourites - "High Flight" read by Chairman of the Grapple Association, Air Vice Marshall H H Newton, CB., OBE. Then followed the prayers, another hymn, then a tribute was read of Air Vice Marshall W. E. Oulton’s life by his eldest son. Air Commodore Peter Oullon. This was followed by another hymn and blessing. The congregation remained kneeling while the choir sang. Music after the service was RAF March Past and Spitfire Prelude. We all lined up to shake hands with the family members tben stepped out into tin* weak sunshine to find our way to the Institution of Electrical Engineers at Savoy Place where we received a warm welcome with drinks and buffet. The Air Vice Marshall’s ashes were scattered in the Bay of Biscay as he had wished. .lohn and I then said our farewell’s and left about '3.30pm for our journey home. It was a truly memorable experience.

Weymouth 13-19 June 1998 - the ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL

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A

BOND Hotel

GLENMERE Hotel

120 Bond St, South Shore,Blackpool

7 Gynn Avenue,, North Shore, Blackpool TEL: 01253-351259

A welcome awaits both able and disabled people. We have 45 bedrooms - all ensuite - and there are also special disabled facilities Telephone: 01253-341218 Visitors: 01253-3404877

Irene and Patrick welcome you to their licensed hotel where you are assured of good home cooked English meals in a friendly atmosphere. Situated in a quieter area of Blackpool, but only 15 minutes walk North of the Tower and 75yds from the promenade, trams and buses. All rooms en-suite. Parking available

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V

SOLYMAR

Holiday Flatlets

□ Clean modern flats, fully equipped for 2-6 persons, bedding provided and colour TV □ 50yds from promenade and Sandcastle □ Own keys - large private car park Syd Harris (Ex-Christmas Island) 68 Station Road, Blackpool SS Proprietress: Mrs I Harris TEL: 01253-347620

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Withnell Hotel Residential licence Proprietors: June & Frank Travis 17 Withnell Road, Blackpool FY4 1HF

The Wilford Licensed Hotel

55 Station Road, Blackpool Tel: 01253-344329 Q Bed and Breakfast/EveningMeal

□ Evening dinner optional □ Satellite TV in all rooms □ Choice of menu □ All en-suite rooms □ Open All Year

Q Televisions and Tea Making facilities in all rooms Q Convenient for South Pier, Promenade and Pleasure Beach

Tel: 01253-344868 BNTVA Welcomed

PROPRIETORS: Sylvia and Paul Graham

WINGFIELD Hotel

Anchorage Hotel 1 (Licensed Private Hotel)

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18 WithnelIRd, Blackpool.

□Fully licensed □B/B &evgmeal □Full c/heating □All rooms en'SLJ!;® c □Tea/coffee facilib □Large car park I TEL: 01253-343364

□ En-suite bedrooms available □ Bar lounge □ Car parking (limited). □ Sun lounge with TV. □ Tea-coffee facilities in all room. Ring MARLENE on 01253-341771 or sje. from above address

Fernlea

38 Shaw Road (opp promenade) □ Tea makers itt aft rooms □ Free cfxiCci places □ Full central fieating TEL: Jatt Harris 01253-344141

Southside

Select Sell Contained Flats

holiday flats

Superior Holiday Flatlets I

70 Station Road, Blackpool.

22 Osborne Road, South Shore,Blackpool.

64 Station Road, Blackpool. I (Open all year round)

□ Open all year □ Parking space

□ Convenient for South Pier, Promenade, Sandcastle and Pleasure Beach TEL: 01253-343362

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Sandalwood

San Remo

ossi=?S-

□ All flats self contained □ Fully titted-electric | metered

qqBS!-** I I

JEL: 01253-346512 Jenny Williams

Langroyd Private Hotel 47 Station Road (opp South Pier), Blackpool. TELEPHONE: 01253-342263 □ Fully licensed □ Excellent menus □ Modern bedrooms with tea making facilities and tv's □ No meters □ Some en-suites

□ Lovely dining room, comfortable lounge and a friendly licensed bar □ All the amenities needed to help you enjoy your stay

PROPRIETOR: TREVOR COX

□ clean, modem, and- jntty equipped accommodation lQ close to SoutRShom amenities inctiufccC

□Constant hot water in competitive tanjj

Proprietors:

•ffiiSSS? I

The GRANVILLE Licensed Hotel 12 Station Road, Blackpool Telephone: 01253-343012

□ Situated opposite South Pier □ Large, comfortable bar/lounge □ Spacious separate dining room □ Excellent varied menus □ Choice of standard or en-suite bedrooms with all facilities □ Full central heating Proprietors - Pat and Wilf Taylor

ACCESS TO DATA IS A PRIORITY! T FROM IAN ANDERSON - BNTVA lawyer in New York.

Our Dedication service OUR annual Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving took place with the God of rain really active. The service was conducted by the Provost of Portsmouth, the Rev.Canon Michael Yorke, who, in his wis­ dom, held the first half of the ceremony inside the Cathedral. The rains thankfully ceased and the dedication, Last Post, Reveille and laying of wreaths took place in the gardens. Mr Sid Rapsom, B.E.M, MP, attended with his wife Phyllis. You will recall that Sid was the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth who originally unveiled our Memorial Stone some six or seven years ago. Many thanks to Dave Riley who organised the event in his usual unselfish manner. It was a pleasure and a treat to have our National Standard Bearer, “Nobby” Clarke down from Birmingham - good to see you active again Nobby. Our North West Standard Bearer Bob

Parkinson travelled down from

ABOVE: Dave Riley, Albert (Nobby) Clark and Bob Parkinson at Portsmouth Cathedral in February. Lancashire and all in all it was an excellent service. Thank you Canon Michael Yorke, Dave Riley, Sid Rapsom and all concerned.

□ The 1999 Service at Portsmouth Cathedral has been booked for Saturday February 20th at

II.30am and as you know it is always held the nearest Saturday to February 19 when IIMS Zeehntggc, and HMS Narvik sailedfrom Portsmouth hound for Great Britain's first Atom Bomb test at Monte Bello Islands.

Information is vital WE’RE now eight months into the BNTVA Database Project and results are beginning to appear. The Death Certificate Study of two thirds of the deceased members was reported in late October to a great deal of press interest, including the Frontline Scotland pro­ gramme. It also provoked questions in Parliament which so far the M.o.D. has not ||gun to answer. We then began the study of the health of the members and their families. Clearance was obtained from the Multi Centre Research Ethics Committee in November and the ques­ tionnaire mailed in the first week of December. Pretty well exactly half of the membership returned those questionnaires within the following month and these are now being analysed. The press got hold of the study questionnaire and there was considerable international interest, particularly in Australia at the turn of the year. The results of this part of the study should be avail­ able by the time of the AGM on April 25. Building the “Dundee database” of information in this way enables us to begin checking the NRPB database and their

results, which are based on information only through 1990. As well as this work, we have been iu the prepara­ tion of information for the three Strasbourg cases and more than a dozen other individual cases which are before the WPA. In order to further develop the information, we would very much like to receive those ques­ tionnaires which have not yet been returned - let Sheila know if you need another copy. Copies of death certificates are also vciy important to building our understanding of the total picture so please send them to Sheila if you haven’t already done so. In order to get a copy of the results as they stand in late April, please send a self-addressed A4 stamped (2 x first Class or Second Class stamps) envelope to Sue at Centre for Medical Education, 484 Perth Road, Dundee DD2 1LR. We can discuss them more fully at the AGM. Thanks for all your help and we look forward to receiving more information from you. Sue Rabbitt Roff & Sheila Gray

HERE lias been much discussion about the Government’s attempt, a few years ago, to destroy the elec­ tronic database on which the NRPB s 1988 and 1093 studies were based and which found no statistical evidence to show that anyone was banned as a result of participating in the UK’s nuclear test programme. The NRPB’s later refusal to hand over the data­ base to the BNTVA for independent analysis after initially agreeing to do so, has also been widely commented on. It is probably less known in the UK, that the present system adopted in the US in 1988 for awarding service compensation to US Atomic Veterans for radiation linked illnesses, arose as a result of an independent re-analysis of a database used in an official US statistical study, which purported to show that no-one was harmed by participation in the US Atomic Tests. In 1983 the prestigious US Academy of Sciences, a Government-sponsored agency, produced a sta­ tistical report which found that no-one was harmed by participation in the US Atomic Crossroads tests in the late 1940’s, which involved about 42,000 servicemen. Matters might have rested there but for the fact that a group of independent scientists gained access to the data­ base used in the study. When these scientists re­ analysed the database they found: (a) 15,000 servicemen were wrongly includcd in the study and 28,000 who should have been included were excluded. (h) The study wrongly compared the health of the tests participants to the general public and not to a control group of non-tests servicemen. The independent re-analysis of the National Academy of Science’s database created a scandal in the US which prompted Congress to intervene and enact the 1988 Radiation Exposed Veterans Compensation Act (Public Law 100-321). This Act provides a presumption that certain cancers and con­ ditions complained of by the veterans are related to exposure to nuclear radiation. In 1990 Congress followed this with a similar act to compensate civilians who were exposed to radiation from the Nevada Tests, i.e. the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (Public Law 101-428); and in 1991 the Marshall Islands Nuclear Claims Tribunal also adopted a similar approach to compensation based on the two above-mentioned Acts of the US Congress. But without the independent rc-analvsis of the origi­ nal National Academy of Sciences database, none of the above events would have occurred. It is known that the NRPB studies, like the discred­ ited 1985 study by the US National Academy of Sciences, used the same methodology, namely, com­ paring the veterans health to the health of the gener­ al public. Since access to the NRPB database has been denied, it is not known whether the correct numbers of servicemen were used in the analysis. Only the NRPB and the Ministry of Defence know this. Before any updated statistical study on the effect of the UK s tests on the health of the veterans can be properly carried out. access to the complete database must be obtained for independent re-analysis. This should be an urgent priority for the BNTVA members who can legitimately claim that the NRPB is continuing to with-hold access to their collective, personal data.