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British Nuclear Test Veterans Association

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All we seek is justice

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Newsletter

Spring 2003

In this issue AGM Notice, Rule book amendments, Chairman’s report, Secretary’s news Chaplain’s message, Help with Phd What a way to spend a 19th birthday, Christmas Island the wrong way Veteran’s stories required, Children’s books appeal, Letters to the editor

Poem, Cartoon and Epitaph Treasurer’s report and copy accounts, Monte Bello report, Post mortem?, 11 district RAF Police, Reflections on Woomera National Standard bearer required, Branch news, •i

Useful telephone numbers

Useful Ex-Service Organisation Telephone Numbers:

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British Limbless Ex-servicemen s Association 0208 590 1124 Combat Stress 01372 841600

Royal British Legion Scotland 0131 557 2782

Royal Naval benevolent Trust 02392 690112

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Sheila Gray

01642 559903

Ken Roberts

Royal Air Forces Association 0208 994 8504

0161 941 2164

Derick Redfem 01637 879048

Ministry of Defence Veterans Advice Unit 08456 02 03 02

Royal British Legion - Legion Line 0345 725725

John Lowe

Ian Greenhalgh 01942 820202 -•

War Pensions Norcross 01253 858858 Disabled Benefits Unit National 0845 7123456 Help line

St Dunstans 0207 723 5021 SSAFA Forces Help 0207 403 8783

: Veterans

AGM Entertainment

Affairs 0800 169 22 77

We have to thank our treasurer Ken Roberts for this years entertainment at the AGM. Ken felt that last years evening entertain ment was not up to the standard members deserved, and also was not value for money. He made contact with Adam James and his wife also Derrick Griffiths and has engaged them for the evening this year. If anything does not suit you know where to find him.

Music from the 40’s to the 80’s

The Adam James Experience Adam James & his wife from Joe Longthornes Music Hall Blackpool supported by Derrick Griffiths comedian straight from the Royal British Legion Club Blackpool

01275 848965

Editor

Help line

01429 273392

Chairman’s Report So much has happened since our AGM in April last year. With the excellent turnout at the protest which we staged in Whitehall on 3rd October, there can be no doubt that our morale is high, and everyone is encouraged to continue with our campaign to “knock some sense into the Ministry ofDefence” There was a tremendous response from the general public to the leaflets which were handed out on the day, (see the poem elsewhere in this edition), and we had good media coverage of the event. What a pity that the Sunday Mirror delayed publication of their disclosure of our families1 health problems until the following Sunday. The article was originally due for publication on the 29th September. Although the Association was never consulted about the Sunday Mirror prior to publication, (they preferred to undertake the study independently in order that they could not be accused of bias. Although we were aware of it's conception), we were naturally most pleased to co-operate once the initial facts were published. The Association is most grateful to Dr Ian Gibson MP for organising the rally held at the House of Commons on 25th November. Although it was obvious from the number of veterans who wished to participate, that at the time he was not aware of the great feeling of discontent which prevails. However, this in turn lead on to a debate in Westminster Hall on 4th December, when a number of MPs spoke on our behalf. Once more the response from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, who is supposedly our champion in Parliament, was less than encouraging, as he again decided to put on his Parliamentary Under-secretary of State for Defence hat, and read what was obviously a prepared statement from the MoD. The NRPB have undertaken another study into death certificates. They have agreed to meet us in February that they may brief the Association on their findings prior to publication. We must not hold out much hope if their previous reports are anything to go by. There are a number of standards located at various branches around the country, but the one held by the West Midlands Branch had, at some time in the past, been adopted as the National Standard. However it would appear that this has been mislaid, or at any rate no one is prepared to reveal its location. The Association had no option but to purchase a New National Standard. The dedication of the New Standard was carried out by our Chaplain The Dean of Chichester The Very Rev. Nicholas Frayling in a civic service in Chichester Cathedral, the service was attended by a good number of veterans and families. Look out for the full report with pictures in the next issue. I hope to see you all at the AGM in Blackpool. John G Lowe

Mnnte Bellofieeart ^Commemoration and Dedication Service held on Monte Bello Island 3rd October 2002 At 8 30am on the 3rd October 2002 I stepped ashore on the Monte Bello Islands for the first time m 50 years, a lone ex British test veteran accompanied by three ex Australian Navy sailors and my wife Judy. The benefactors who helped us with donations were Mr Kerry Stokes AO, Chevron Texaco Oil and Mr Dick Morgan and his wife Bonny who generously flew the Australians to Onslow in their company jet. Also on the flight were researchers from Murdoch University. On the 2nd October we were flown from Onslow to MONTE BELLO in the company floatplane and accom modated in the company houseboats which belong to Dick Morgan’s pearling interests. The plane made three trips to Monte Bello due to a large contingent of media personnel. My wife and I travelled by car and caravan to Onslow, it was a four day journey from Perth. We had on board the Union Jack, the Australian flag, plus wreaths for deceased British and Australian Servicemen and one for the civilian and Aboriginal population who have died since the dropping of the bombs on Japan in WW11. We held the ceremony at the last test site on Alpha Island. Stepping ashore with the flag was very emotional and I felt extremely proud and honoured to carry it. Jim Ovens carried the Australian flag. My wife carried and laid the wreath on behalf of our fallen comrades. Ken Dines laid a wreath for the civilian casualties Jeff Chantler the third Australian read THE ODE. The media personnel were very good and pleas ant in their dealing with our ceremony. They were Channel 7 TV, ABC TV, GWN Ty The ‘Australian ‘ newspaper and Dr Mike Broderick of Murdoch univer sity and his cameramaCn Lastly the people of Onslow their help was invaluable to us all. During the trip I met with an ex stoker from HMS Zeebrugge Patrick O’Kane , Dave Newman a NZTVA member and his wife, from Queensland. I wish you all well in your endeavours to right the wrongs done to us by our governments and pray that you will be successful in your search for JUSTICE. Regards Ron and Judy Knight PS In 1952 my name was Spr Ron Brooks RE Perth Western Australia 8th January 2003

Health Questionnaire

NRPB Study

Copies of the 35 page dossier, based on the study undertaken by the Sunday Mirror into the health of a number of veterans families, were handed in to both the Prime Minister and the MoD, by members of this Association.

The latest results are to be published in March and some of our Executive Committee will be meeting with the NRPB, prior to publication so that they can explain things to us! The NRPB have also accepted our invitation to attend our AGM on the 26th April 2003 in Blackpool.

We are assured by the MoD, that they take its contents very seriously indeed, and are reviewing the evidence. However the Sunday Mirror’s survey only represented in the region of 105 of our membership. As a consequence you should have received a HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE last month. Please complete this to the best of your ability, and return it to the Secretary without delay, we are hoping to obtain some form of media based sponsorship, so that the results may be analysed by an independent source, possibly one of our universities. If not we will undertake this ourselves. Either way the results should make the MoD take notice. If for any reason you did not receive a copy of the ques tionnaire, a letter to the Chairman will bring you one by return post, (a letter please, not a phone call)

Health Study Form update The response - so far- has been very good and thank you to those of you who have already returned their form. However, there are quite a number of you put ting your service number not your Association number - this all makes for time consuming extra work. Therefore, those of you who are still getting around to completing the form, it would help if you would please put your Association number on the form. A few of you have also put ‘you already have this information’ yes some of it we do but we need it updated on this particular form. How many of you had grandchildren when you first joined us - how many of you have reported your latest illnesses to us? So, please, give us the information we have asked for and so help us to help you. Sheila Gray Secretary

Membership Numbers Will you all please quote your membership number on all correspondence. The length of time wasted each month in attempting to rifle through lists of names and addresses, in order to trace a file, is truly prodi gious, and unnecessary. Please save us the stress. QUOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER

Annual Membership Fee The fee is £10.00 per year, and was due for payment on the 1st January. Have you paid yours. If not, please send your cheque direct to the Treasurer:Mr Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, TS25 IDG

Legal case The research and preparations of the legal case against the MoD is progressing satisfactorily, and we hope to send out a newsletter in the next three weeks in which we will tell you about our work in some detail. Peter Bright Clarke Wilmot & Clarke Solicitors

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAPLAIN, THE VERY REVEREND NICHOLAS FRAYLING- DEAN OF CHICHESTER Belated New Year greetings to all the members of the Association and their families. As many of you know, I have begun my new job as Dean of Chichester - a great Cathedral in lovely surroundings. This has brought me into contact with the local branches, which is a real pleasure. My move, which has been quite unsettling, has led me to reflect on the importance of belonging. We ‘belong’ to so many human groups, most of which we take for granted. Among these, I suppose, are our Nation, our family, street, neighbourhood, church, club - BNTVA, shops, doctor’s waiting room...and so I could go on. The New Testament has much to say on the subject, though Jesus did not actually use the term. However, his image of God is of one in whose company all can feel at home. He describes himself as the Good Shepherd, who knows all his sheep by name and calls them one by one to enter the sheepfold. The imagery is strange to us if we live in big cities or towns, but the message could not be clearer. Whatever our circumstances (and I do not need to spell out how very difficult those are for some of you) God’s care is real and individual, and he wants us to belong to his community of faith. Most wonderful of all, his care extends both sides of the grave. For many of you, our Association provides a focus for ‘belonging’. May it also be a means towards the justice which you so richly deserve. I hope to see as many of you as possible here in Chichester on Wednesday 19th February when I shall have the privilege, with the assistance of the new Dean of Portsmouth, of dedicating the Association’s new National Standard. Nicholas Frayling

Treasurers Report Last year I wrote of how well we had overcome our “Difficulties” financially, and the spectre of bankruptcy had receded. At this time last year, we had liquid assets of £6,639 in the current account and £5630 in the business reserve account - a total of £12,269. This I believe is the important figure, although our accounts showed a balance of £14237 but this included stock, fixed assets and prepayments etc. This year the situation has improved beyond all recog nition -1 cannot at this stage put the figure in, as I am writing this before the end of the Financial Year to get the copy to our Editor. Copy has to be in, for the Newsletter by 31st January 2003. I will forward a copy of the accounts to the editor knowing that he will be able to include the Accounts Report in the Newsletter. You will note that our expenditure has increased dra matically with £10,000 going into the Business Reserve Account. We also paid £1000 to our Solicitor, for gener al advice given over the year. The solicitor had not asked for this payment but the committee decided at their June meeting we should do this. We also have a New National Standard at a cost of £1240. Just three years ago we could not have made these payments. The Committee and the Executive have kept their expenses to the minimum. I am very pleased the way things have gone, and my projections point to being able to report Liquid Assets of circa £21,000.00 at the AGM. This year we commemorated the 3rd October 1952 when the first ships left the UK for the Atomic Tests. There have been more political meetings than I can ever recall, and although we are still banging our col lective head against the proverbial brick wall, the wall appears to be just starting to show chinks. It has all cost money, but we are now, more than solvent. I hope to see you all at the AGM. I have spoken to the Chairman about the entertainment for the evening of the AGM, which for the last two years has been below the standard our members deserve. I have taken steps to make sure this years is up to the standard required. (see advertisement in this edition Ed)

Time Bomb by Tonia Spark December 2002

We went around London for a Historic Walk Lots of laughter & smiles and lots of quiet talk. Our leader gave us an interesting background Of historical events his knowledge quite sound. As we wandered around, talking of things we had learned A group of people approached us and we quickly discerned They were ail in their sixties Smart and determined With bemedalled chests but bearings quite burdened. Along with the men were grey haired widows and wives All chatting and smiling and smart. Still alive. They gave us some leaflets which we quickly put away Saying we promise to read them another day. Well I read mine today and it caused me to think Of bombs that had exploded as quick as a wink. No protection was given to the men who were watching. A nuclear egg a mushroom was hatching. 50 years have gone by and many we’re told Have died quite young, no chance to get old. Some offspring were born with peculiar diseases They ask quite politely for pensions to help them, but without a stiff fight they don’t seem to get them, So up off your haunches dole out with good speed, They fought for their country and gave of their best, Help is needed right now so grant their request They shouldn’t be forced to beg for what’s owing They watched the explosion the danger not knowing. Will the soldiers today get protection in action? If Iraq goes to war and uses the Atom? If they’re injured or harmed will they pensions receive? Will their widows get aid to help them grieve. We all hope that the TIME BOMB now awaiting new boys In Saddam’s palace will stay, the rest of his toys. This poem is from a lady who is not a member of the Association. As the poem says it came about through being given a leaflet on October 3rd 2002. She wrote to our secretary asking if we would like a copy. It is in the news letter to show that we have support from outside the Association. Mrs Park lives in Ruislip Middlesex.

Memorial Stones From time to time the Memorial Stones are mentioned. The last time the list was published Birmingham was missed from the list. We hope to publish photographs of all the Memorial Stones, in this issue we have the stones at Birmingham and Leicester, (see picture page Ed)

British Nuclear Test Veterans Association Expenditure and Income Account 2001/2002 Expenditure Pension Fighting Fund 327.95 Travel Bank Charges 95.00 Presentation 905.64 Political Meeting Committee Meeting 80.53 1749.52 Fixed Assets Magazine 3118.36 Tribunals 30.00 20.00 Poppy Appeal Legal Fees 1000.00 Cheque returned 47.50 Telephone/Fax 609.41 Stationary 1249.78 Sundries 123.58 Repairs 201.50 Goods - resale 912.86 1416.12 Postage Motor Expenses 318.26 AGM Expenses 503.83 Accountancy 225.00 Reserve Account 10000.00 Sale of Goods Court -Kittsen Balance B/Fwd 01 Raffles Associate Members Memebr Fees 03 Membership Fees Donations Transfers Total Income Total expenditure 22934.84 Cash flow Balance Carried Forward

Income 500.00

; I

1200.02 240.00 6639.33 300.10 272.50 1080.00 13811.50 4646.14 28689.59 5745.75

The Business Premium Account Stands at £15,664.91 unless any interest is added at the final year’s statement. This gives the Association Liquid Assets of £15664.91 + £5745.75 = £21410.66. The Accounts are being reconciled before sending off to the accountant - however I see no rea son for my figures to be altered signifcantly. I

K Roberts National Treasurer

Branch News North Wales Branch A very belated Happy New Year to all veterans, widows and families. We have been busy here in Wales helping the Chairman and Secretary with various projects. It all starts with the death of our member Mr Calendar. His daughter Michelle has been diagnosed with a heart condition. His granddaughter Louise had her pregnancy terminated on medical advice due to the condition of the baby. So we see how the effects of service go on through the generations. The Sunday Mirror carried a report regarding the family, it was also reported on Television. Following this report we were supported at the House of Commons meeting by Sian Morgans of HTV and our MP for North Wales Mr Hywell Williams. Which was attended by a number of North Wales members. Harlech Television (Wales) made a film about the veterans some time ago, They are now making a second film with Sian Morgans help about the suffering of the veterans and their children. As part of the film Peter & Gron Williams were taken to Christmas Island in January this year. The film is due for release in March. I have been helping to up date the records of our veterans held by the Association also sending out the interim letter with the health survey. It is hoped that HTV will sponsor the letter. I have also been helping Mr Atkin a journalist who is compiling a report about veterans for New Zealand. I am in process of trying to help Colin Jenner with B.N.T.VA. web site. More help is needed to input information on to the web site. I hope you have all sent in your health survey. See you at the A.G.M. in Blackpool Peter Bullen North Wales Branch

East Midlands Branch DID YOU HAVE A POST-MORTEM ON YOUR LOVED ONE? WERE ANY OF THEIR ORGANS RETAINED? In July last year (2002), on our local radio station there _ jwas a professor explaining about the Retained Organs —"Commission. Since I had a post-mortem (as requested ^3)y the BNTVA) on my late husband JOHN HALL 10 ----- pars ago. I began to wonder if any of his organs had ___ l(een kept without my knowledge or consent. *

I rang the telephone number given out by the radio station for further enquiries. The Leicester Royal Infirmary appeared very sympathetic and understanding and promised that a through search would be made. This might take some time. I also enquired whether at the time of the post- mortem, if any there had been any intervention by the government and in particular the Ministry of Defence. Three months went by and I heard nothing, so I rang the Hospital. A week later, on the 10th October 2002 a letter arrived informing me that slides and samples had been retained and that my husband’s brain had been removed before release of the body for his funeral and cremation. The letter advised that the brain had subsequently “been disposed of in accordance with existing hospital procedures”. As you can imagine, it caused me considerable shock and distress to learn that after 10 years that my husband’s brain had not been released with the rest of his body, and languished on a hospital shelf for some time afterwards. Indeed, it was only when the issue was raised in the House of Commons by our local MP Keith Vaz, that the Department of Health revealed that the brain had been kept until November 1993, when it was incinerated. In their letter, the Leicester Royal Infirmary said that no government body had intervened but records had been destroyed. However, the information given later by the Government Ministers to our MP suggested that the hospital clearly had more details about the tests carried out than indicated in this letter. We are still awaiting an explanation on why John’s brain, which continued to function perfectly well right up to the time of his death, was chosen for examination during his post-mortem. Why did the hospital keep it for nearly 18 months after his funeral? Was this standard procedure? Or was it because of his service in a Nuclear Test Area? Both the hospital and the Department of Health have agreed to further meetings with us, where we hope that these questions and others will be answered. if you feel that someone close to you may have gone through a similar experience and don’t mind being upset by what you find out. MAKE ENQUIRIES and ASK QUESTIONS. Marilyn Hall East Midlands BNTVA

Portsmouth Branch The Portsmouth Branch under the Chairmanship of Les Gosling, continues with the support of regular BNTVA stalwarts, to be part of the Portsmouth scene with our monthly meetings at the Hampshire ExServicemens, Club, and the annual BNTVA Commemorative Service in Portsmouth Cathedral every February. During December each year we hold a special social gathering with a Christmas Meal. We were honoured at our last special event with the attendance of our

Chaplain The Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling Dean of Chichester. Chichester is about 20 miles east along the A27 from Portsmouth. Being so close it made it possible for our Chaplain to come and conduct our Nuclear Veterans* Day Service in Portsmouth Cathedral on October 3rd 2002. With Chichester near at hand it made it possible for the whole branch to attend the dedication service at Chichester Cathedral of our new B.N.T.VA. National Standard. Also near to Chichester is the newly revived Sussex Branch, we hoping in due course to improve our contact with them and to strengthen the BNTVA is this part of the UK. Norman Aplin Portsmouth Branch Secretary

The mess is still there, the old tar barrels stacked up, machines dumped in the plantation, every sort of machine you can think of Jones cranes, bulldozers, scrapers, road rollers. The Coral crusher ( Starbuck 40) is still in its original working place, very rusty like all the other machinery and barrels. The worst thing is the village of BA -HA. It is built around the old mess and the children play amongst the rusty machinery. BA - HA is the village nearest to the main camp. Those of you that were in Weston-super-Mare for the Christmas Island reunion made a collection to buy books for the John Leuchars Public Library. Six crates had arrived the week before we arrived. They were busy unpacking when we visited the library. The crabs, ants, insects, and the heat are still the same as are the coconut plantations.

The tarmac road from the Forward area via the main camp to the Port of London is in excellent condition seeing nothing has been done since to it was laid.

London and Kent Branch The next meeting is to be held at The Royal Engineers Museum Brompton Barracks Gillingham Kent on Saturday 29th March 2003 at 13.00 Hrs. Would all branch members please confirm they intend to attend, so that arrangements can be made for refreshments. It is with regret that I have to tell you that I will not be standing for election to the Executive Committee at the AGM in April 2003. This is due to my continuing health problems. Ken Taylor

Milton Keynes Branch Local branch meetings are held every three months the details are as follows:- BNTVA Milton Keynes Branch hold their meetings on the first Sunday of March, June, September and December, at 12.00 Hrs. At the Royal British Legion Club Newport Pagnell Milton Keynes Bucks. Further information may be obtained from Pat Hurley Tel:-01908 313024 Pat Hurley

South Wales Branch I was taken back to Christmas Island on the 13 January 2003 by Harlech Television(Wales) Byd Ar Pedwar (World on Four). A welsh documentary on the island after we had finished with the Nuclear Testing programme and how they are coping with present day living. I had a fantastic time better this time as I could mix with the locals. The welcome I received was out of this world, they could not do enough for us.

If you would like more information please give me a ring or see me at the AGM in Blackpool. Peter Williams

A Message from the Children’s Representative As you may be aware, I was voted onto the executive committee last year as the children’s representative. Fortunately though I haven’t had a real amount of work to do for the children. I say fortunately, because as no one has been in touch with me I assume that all the ‘children’ are well. I use the term ‘children’ to mean any son/daughter or grandchild of a veteran no matter how old they may be. Now for the begging bit. We need to see more of our younger members attending our A.G.M. Mainly so that they can get a better understanding of how our Association works. We all know that our parents are not getting any younger and they are starting to feel more illnesses, which is why we need to start understanding the role of the association. We could be in real dire straits if, God forbid, they all died and justice hadn’t been done. It would be like turning the clock back 20 years or so when the Association started and nobody knew where to start. So, to show our parents that we really do care about the B.N.T.VA., lets pull together and put a show of strength on at the A.G.M. We really do have a good time once the business is out of the way. And I do believe there is a real good show planned for the evening this year. Hope to see you there. Martin Blackburn

Message from Canada This is an extract from a letter to the treasurer from Reg Simpson.

I enclose my cheque for £35 to cover membership fees. Any balance should be considered to be a donation to the funds as I am unable to assist in any other way. Whilst I am unable to attend any meetings or the AGM in order to voice my appreciation for the efforts of the committee, I would like to thank you for your strenu ous efforts in reviving the accounts to where they stand now. Thank you! The mind boggles when one thinks of how much money was squandered or may be pilfered by others in past years. I suspect not having the full story, that some were trying to run the Association for the benefit of the few, instead of the many. I think it is criminal the abuse that Sheila has, and if I read the minutes of the AGM’s correctly, still does endure from some members and one particular associate member. I am sure lesser people would have quit the job of Secretary long ago. We are fortunate in having people of her calibre and dedication on the committee. Reg Simpson Westerose Alberta Canada Help Does any member have a coloured print of the Operation Hurricane Badge. One of our members would like to borrow one to obtain a copy. If you can help please contact the editor

get in touch with me so that we talk, it would be really helpful. You can either ring me after 19.00 Hrs or write to me at the following address. Either way it will be good to hear from you. Mike Webb 18 Broadoak Road Bramhall Stockport Cheshire Tel: 0161 439 3432 Letter from the cartoonist I used to be a good cartoonist, but age, failing eyesight and shaky hands have caught up with me. 1.

I am sending a cartoon for inclusion in the newsletter. I think you should get somebody to redraw it. Hopefully it could be used to illustrate an article on our plight for use in one of the national papers

The second item is my impression of the political reply to the 3rd October prayer.

In closing may I wish everyone a Happy New Year C W Inns Tauranga New Zealand It was not redrawn Ed

Calling all Christmas Island Bandsmen!!!

Letters to the Editor Can anyone remember a band playing or even being on Dear Editor Not wishing to put down the Secretary’s report or Mr£ Northey’s suggestion about the National Arboretum. Can I respectfully point out my letter in the March 1998 issue of our Newsletter.

the island?

You will see that this proposal was made then and that I had actually purchased a tree with what should be a BNTVA plaque.

If you remember the band or indeed played in it please let the editor have any information about those days and if you are still Blowing hard. (Editor is an ex RAF Volunteer Bandsman)

I agree that something should be done, so any progress in this department would be most welcome.

It is reported that a band played for the visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. Was it a resident band or one brought in for the day.

Number 11 District RAF Police Christmas Island

Regards Bob Smith Scottish Standard Bearer

My back ground is Welsh Valleys, son of a miner; with the pits and the steel factory the only prospect. This prompted my enlistment in the Royal Air Force.

“Can we talk” I am doing some research into the business of ‘what happened to us and why* and I am studying for my PhD on the History of Protection Standards at the UK Nuclear Weapons Tests. I know my own experiences, having served with the RE’s on Christmas Island in 1957 but it would be helpful if I could be given other veterans personal experiences to add to my own. Everything that is told to me would be held in the strictest confidence. Therefore, if some of you could

I have held a fascination for travel since my earliest memory. Sadly I can no longer enjoy travel. I spent 23 very happy years in the RAF, I regret only one episode. I was unfortunate to be posted to Christmas Island. My duties on the Island with the RAF Police entailed patrolling the threshold of the ’X’ site in the forwar area, X marked the spot where the bomb had been detonated. The blackened charred ground, blaste

* W rrJ thevon,y remnants of the devastation. All that stood in the zone were 6 porcelain toilets on a concrete plinth! The rest of the buildings and vehicles nad been vapourised. The task, of our unit was to prevent pilfering and f trespass by service personnel. We also had to pick up any dying sea-life and birds. Many of the birds new around with no idea of height or position due to being The loneliness, boredom and heat greeted all the ser vicemen on the island. The only relief was the open air cinema or the NAAFI where many of the servicemen became alcoholics. We all lived for the day when it would be time to return to the UK. On the journey home it became obvious to us that we were Christmas Island Vets. Apart from our KD which the yanks at Hickham Field Hawaii regarded as fatigues, they told us that we smelt of Christmas island. With desalinated water only I suppose the effects were obvious to all but us. Now 45 years on it can only be guessed as to how many ex-servicemen are affected by the tests. I did not expe rience a bomb but I was exposed to the fall-out at ‘X’ site, where I was unfortunately tainted with radiation the hidden enemy. My exposure has contributed to my two cancers, “Solar Kerrtosis and Basil Cell”. Following 11 operations I can only urge any veteran to proceed with medical investigation. “All we seek is jus tice” and from my experience and constant pressure over 15 years, Dr Sue Rabbit-RofF came to my rescue. My letters to Parliament, my local MR and numerous visits to my doctors all fell on deaf ears. is obvious the MOD still refute the evidence but Jfopefully with the Sunday Mirror campaign in support the truth will be accepted and made public. We were “all guinea Pigs” tested to find out the effects on the human body. We should ask the Minister for Veterans Affairs Dr Lewis Moonie MP the following questions 1.

If servicemen were not exposed to dangerous levels of radiation, why are so many veterans affected by cancers?

Were you present at the tests or in the test areas? If not how can you comment with any degree of understanding?

What fate befell the local populations?

Why do Australia and New Zealand support their Nuclear Veterans? The photo on the photo page is of some of the members of Noll District RAF Police Benny Thomas Ex RAF Police

Cut and Run?? Am I alone in believing that Pounds Shillings and Pence or should it be Pounds and New pence are not at the very top of our Associations list of Aims? Or did I misunderstand the principles when I joined in the

struggle? Is it not Justice and Recognition we seek, initially? If the latter, then why is there an understanding take - what -they -offer - and - run attitude slowly creeping into our proceedings? Ergo: Quite recently I received a 20% war pension, having been urged by others not to take no for an answer . That’s the good news. The pension would cover only the “Aggravated by service”clause & would not entertain anything to do with my H-Bomb related condition. Imagine my surprise & disappointment therefore, when, having informed the Association of my intention to appeal against the negative ruling, it was intimated I was fortunate thus far, and therefore ..................... this when I knew I ran the risk of losing all during the appeal, but isn’t that what principles are made of? Perhaps I am alone in my belief, and the cut and run policy is the only way to go!!!!! Dave Pickford

Your Stories Wanted Nuclear Veterans stories wanted!! My husband witnessed 8 nuclear tests, I am writing a book of his stories. Many of you will have similar stories nevertheless I would like to hear from as many of you as possible to include your story in the book. Please send me any of the following - What was it like watching the tests, emotions, thoughts etc. Reflections on the life experienced on Christmas Island or in Australia. Domestic conditions, food etc. Funny, emo tional, work, and leisure time stories. Have you any stories about the local popula tion, wildlife or anything to do with the natural envi ronment. Or is there something else that you would recorded in the book? Old items from the B.N.T.VA Newsletter could be included. Please send your copy with your permission to publish it in the book. It is hoped that the book will also reflect the effects on your health and that of your families. I had the honour to meet some of you on October 3rd 2002 when I was with my husband at the peaceful protest. Unfortunately Ray was unable to attend the meeting on 25th November 2002 due to a heart attack which he suffered on the 6th October, this was followed by another two days later, he then underwent a triple Heart bypass operation. He had been unwell on the 50th Anniversary day but was determined to be there. I was able to attend the 25th November meeting and met some of you again. (I was the four foot nothing female in case you are trying to remember me!) Thank you in anticipation of your stories for inclusion in the book. These should be sent to:- Sylvia Kennedy 76 Windsor Gardens Bedlington Northumberland NE22 5SY

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To Christmas Island thp_gTong way I served on Christmas Island 1957/58 and witnessed two tests during my time there. In the last newsletter I was particularly struck by Leading Seaman Peter Evans description of the November ‘57’ Test. I remember Peter and his description took me back to the beach again even after all these years. My experience of travelling to Christmas Island was very different to Chalky Whyte's. Our flight was in an eastward direction “The Scenic Route” The passengers all met at RAF Colerne in August 1957 our aircraft was a Comet, ‘luxury'. Our first refuelling stop was RAF El Adem in Libya. The flight took four hours, as we approached the North African Coast the captain told us that we had engine trouble. The aircraft touched down without any difficulty, panic over! The problems were only just beginning the stores did not have the spares for Comets', so we spent an unexpected couple of days in the North African Dessert. The boredom was relieved once when we went by open truck to Tobruk for a swim in the Med. Eventually a Canberra arrived with the spares and we were airborne the following day. Our next stop was Bahrain, we landed with all four engines functioning perfectly. Only to be told that we had radio problems which ment the stop over would be a little longer than planned. After twelve hours in the heat of the Bahrain sun it was take ofT time again this time heading for Negombo in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) we found out when we arrived that the radio problem had not been fixed. Ten hours later having been experiencing the tropical heat of Ceylon we took off this time for RAF Changi in Singapore. In no time at all the refuelling was done and we were on our way to Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia. Our stop in Darwin was uneventful as it was the middle of the night. We then headed east to Ipswich which is south of Brisbane in Queensland. There we had an overnight stop and we were able to go off the base and sample the hospitality of ordinary Australians. They could not have been more welcoming. The pubs closed at 20.00hrs in those days, by that time a Bootneck Corporal and I had been chatting to a group of local's. One of them gathered us up at closing time and took us home with him. The meal we had was terrific, steak with all the trimmings. His wife did not turn a hair when we walked in. They may still hammer us at cricket but I can't speak highly enough of their hospi tality. The next day we bid farewell to the Comet and boarded a HP Hastings what a come down that was. Comfort and quietness was exchanged for noise and vibration of the piston engined aircraft came as a bit of

a blow. Our next port of call was Fiji for another overnight stop. I can’t go into details, suffice to say nji IS the one place I would like to return to. The next day we took off and headed for a tiny lump of coral called Canton, which consisted of a runway and a ew odd buildings. As we had landed at night it wasn't until the next morning we just what we had been landed with 140 square miles of sand and palm trees. I won't go into my time on the island. Very glad when it was time to return home. Civvy flights all the way first with Pan American to Honolulu overnight stop, on to San Fransico and Chicago. American Airlines to New York then BOAC to London Airport or as it is better known Heathrow. I leave you to compare the two flights. David Marshall Ex RN (Leading Writer whilst on the Island)

How not to spend your 19th birthday Having been in the Army Cadets for four years. I decided to join ‘The Royal Signals’ as a short term regular instead of National Service. I passed out top of my course as an OP Keyboard & Wireless (Long Range Teleprinter). Most of the class were sent to Korea & Malaya. Dave Brown and I were promoted to Corporal, sent on 14 days leave and were told that we had been posted to SHAPE HQ Paris. While at home I was visited by a Major of the Intelligence Corps. I was instructed to report to RAF Lyneham for onward transport to Woomera Australia (The Weapons Research Establishment Rocket Range). I was to be a replacement in the Special Base Signal Troop Nol. I was given my travel documents and instructed to wear civilian clothes. Our aircraft was a HP Hastings, we took off with only nine passengers. After eight long noisy hours we landed at RAF Idris (Casabenito) Tripoli. Early next morning we took off this time heading for Muripore in Pakistan from there to Nycombo Ceylon, where, when the aircraft door was opened it was like opening an oven door, outside the Monsoon was in full swing, Our next stage was to RAF Changi, during our stop over of 36 hours we witnessed the first landing of a Comet in Singapore during it’s proving flight. After our much needed stop over, our next stage was to Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia with a refuelling stop at Jakarta ( At this time the Borneo insurgents had just started making trouble so we were under police guard all the time we were there). ^ Darwin for the final leg of this long flight to Adeliade it took a further 8 hours before we said goodbye to the Hast,\nm

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Our slay in Adelaide was longer than we anticipated, a whole week in a hotel with nothing to do! The next stage was to board a train at Adelaide sta tion, a fine building built in the London Terminus style, with only very few express trains with mostly country and local services. Our destination was Woomera, a Government township 400 miles to the north. On arrival we transferred to RAAF Bristol freighter, we then flew a further 350 miles out into the desert to EMU Claypan, known as X200 site. Around the Landing Strip was the accommodation for us all which was mostly made up of tents with a few Nissen huts. The British Contingent was made up of 36 NCO’s, the CO was Major Stoneham. Our task was to provide Worldwide Communications for the site. All the other members of the combined unit were Australian. Once you had arrived at EMU you stayed. The nearest habitation was a sheep station about 300 miles away. The weather in the desert had two extremes up to 100° in daytime and below 0° at night. Our work site was nine miles from the two 150 ft high towers which were to be used to explode the bombs Later we were told that the devices being tested were triggers for the Christmas Island Atomic Bomb Tests. Much of our time was taken up with weather forecasts, as the scientists needed the wind direction to be over the rocket range. This was to make sure that the fall out fell over 2000 miles of empty desert. Just after the first explosion the wind changed direction. The red dust of the desert fell over parts of South Australia and New Zealand as ‘RED RAIN’. (This was the subject of a Royal Commission many years later when the UK Government was forced to pay millions ofpounds in compensation to the Governments of the areas con cerned). Soon after the first explosion I celebrated my 19the birthday. About 10 days later the second explosion took place. My time had come for me to return to the UK with the completion of my tour. Again we boarded a RAAF air craft which took off and flew over the test site. Below we all could see the effect of the explosions. Two Black Hollows about 3/4 of a mile across marked the spot where the towers had stood. The heat from the explo sions had melted the sand into black glass, which reflected the sun in a spectacular way. Our homeward flight took us to Melbourne and then on to the UK via the same route as we had taken on the way out. My next posting was to the the War Office Signal Regiment, I was set to work 30 feet under the normal level of the River Thames. What a change from being cooked by the sun all day.

At 20 I started to lose the pigment of my skin (VITALGO) and now 48 years on, about 80% has gone. The result is that I cannot go into the sun without covering up, wearing a hat and using UV protection cream. To this day I have yet to make contact with or hear from anyone who served at Emu. If you are out there please make contact with me. Brian Harwood Ex Corporal Royal Signals

Editor: It is amazing that the UK government paid compensation to other Governments and people for contamination and exposure to radiation. The MOD has always told us the risk did not exist, therefore our illnesses could not have been contracted due to service in the areas concerned.

Opinions expressed in contributions from members and others are the opinions of the contributor and not those of the B.N.T.VA. The only exceptions to this are as follows:An Officer of the Association contributes to the Newsletter in his or her official capacity, or Official Notices for meetings eg.AGM are issued by the Executive Committee.

Newsletter Copy The deadline for copy to be published in the next edition of the Newsletter is 30th June 2003. All copy should be sent direct to the editor. JeffLiddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol Tel: 01275 848965 email jeff2811@onetel.net.uk

Children's books for Christmas Island Books are urgently needed for the children of Christmas Island The books are for age 5+ Have you any books in good condition that you no longer use or ask if your local library has any books that they do not need. If you can help in any way Please contact Pete Williams 01558 822141 Or Bob Smith 01360 311300

Manchester Military Tattoo at the Manchester Evening Standard News Arena 28th June 2003 See The Flying Gunners, The Normandy Band of the Queens Division The Pipes and Drums of the Scots Gaurds Association (Manchester) Combat display by the Fusiliers, The Corps of Drums and the Fusiliers Association Band (Lancashire) Book early for special prices, Groups of 10 or more special group price. Adult £8.50 instead of £12.50 normal price Children £3.50 instead of £5.00 normal price Tel 0161 494 9590 for more information

THE GRANVILLE HOTEL

A warm welcome awaits you from the proprietors Pat & Wilf Taylor 12 Station Road, South Shore, Blackpool, FY4 1BE Tel: 01253 343012 Fax: 01253 408594 e-mail enquiries@granvillehotel.fsnet.co.uk Book today for the Annual General meeting

MEMORABILIA for SALE Blazer Badges £12.00 Association Ties £6.00 £2.50 Lapel Badges Paper Weights £.12.00

Association Cuff Links Association Head Squares Wall Plaques Car Stickers

£5.00 £6.00 £30.00 £2.00

All these items are available for the Treasurer Ken Roberts. Please send a cheque made out to BNTVA for the full amount to the Treasurer. Items will be dispatched as soon as possible.

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Some members of 11 District RAF Police Christmas Island London Demonstration 3rd October 2002

Then and Now Left to right O/D Ray Newman A/B Michael Powley O/D John Lowe Lcll photo on hoard lIMS Narvik 15th May 1957 Right photo at the annual reunion 4th May 2001

The B.N.T.V.A. memorial stone in Peace Walk, a floralwalkway between University Road and the WarMemorial Victoria Park Leicester

The B.N.T.VA. memorial stone in the Memorial Gardens Birmingham

Pictues of more B.N.T.VA. memorial stones will be published in future editions of our Newsletter. If there is a stone near to where you live please take a photograph and send it to the editor.

British Nuclear Test Veterans Association Executive Committee President Peter Flectcher MBE 11 Lord Street St Helens Merseyside WA10 2SJ Tel/Fax: 01744 630612

Chairman John Lowe 45 Sheldrake Road Broadheath Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5LJ Tel/Fax: 0161 941 2164

Vice Chairman Derick Redfern 32 St. Aubyn Crescent Newquay Cornwall TR72RQ Tel/Fax: 01637 879048

Chaplain The Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling Dean of Chichester The Deanery Canon Lane Chichester West Sussex P019 IPX

Children’s Represntative Martin Blackburn 154 Astley Street Tyldeseley Manchester M29 7AX Tel/Fax : 01942 887566

Secretary Sheila Gray (Mrs) 11 Grosmont Drive Billingham Cleveland TS23 2EP Tel/Fax: 01642 559903

Ken Taylor 7 Turley Close Stratford London E15 3JD Tel: 0208 555 2644

Treasurer Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close Seaton Carew Hartlepool Cleveland TS25 IDG Tel: 01429 273392

Solicitor Ian Greenhalgh LLB Unit B Worthington Wat Mams Bridge Wigan WN3 6XE Tel: 01942 820202

) Derek Heaps 4 Bakewell Drive Castle Donnington Derby DE72 NF Tel: 01332 81 1429 Noel Hendy ( Cornwall) 2 Bowdens Row West End Redruth Cornwall TR15 2TS Tel/Fax: 01209 214814

L Branch Representatives Marilyn Hall (Mrs) (West Midlands) 335 Shetland Road Leicester LE4 6RS Tel: 0116 225 1783 Fax: 0116 225 1784

Les Gosling (Portsmouth) 49 Lincoln Road Fratton Portsmouth Hants POl5BG Tel: 0239 261 4673

Tom Kitching (Humberside) 5 Ellerby Grove Preston Road Hull HU9 3PR Tel: 01482 793082

Peter & Gron Williams (South Wales) 27 Heol Myryddin Flairfach Llandeilo South Wales SA19 6PD Tel: 01558 822141

Jim McGowan (Scotland) 125 Whitburn Street Carntyne Glasgow Tel: 0141 778 9654

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

Jim Cooper(Sussex) 30 Baeumont Road Wothing West Sussex BN 14 8HD Tel: 01903 232108

Wally Holsworth (W.Yorks) 11 Foundry Walk Leeds West Yorkshire LS8 3PZ Tel: 0113 294 6149

Peter Bullen (N.Wales) Penland Mill Cottage Llandegai Bangor Gwynedd LL57 4LG Te1:01248 352708

Ken Taylor (London) 7 Turley Close Stratford London E15 3JD

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

Tel: 0208 555 2644

PRESIDENT’S REPORT This year, 2003, marks the 20!h birthday of the BNTVA - 20 years of hard work and endeavour, to achieve Justice, Recognition and Pensions and still we fight on, keeping these aims to the fore! Over those years we have had many ups and many downs, unfortunately, more of the latter but we have a good Executive Committee and we still have many, many influential supporters in both Houses of Parliament. As you will see from the other reports in this Issue, Ken Taylor and our Secretary, Sheila Gray, are both to stand down from the Executive Committee because of illhealth. Illnesses and age are taking over us all but Ken hopes to continue as the London Branch Representative, for which we are very pleased. I have been asked by Val and Rod Jenkins, to inform you that 'HMS Narvik' (19521959) are holding their 8th Re-union this year on Friday and Saturday 2/3 May 2003. For further details please contact Rod Jenkins, 33 Paston Gardens, Fasten, Peterborough E4 7UR or Tel: 01733 751019. I know that Sunday 9,h November 2003 is still some way off but I will be requesting tickets for the Remembrance Day Parade in London. When it gets nearer the time, you must write requesting your ticket so that you can be part of the Parade. There will be another reminder in our next Newsletter. I regret to say that the Australian Commemorative Medal is currently unavailable. As soon as they are back on sale I will notify you as to how to apply direct to Australia for one. As you will have read, we now have a new National Standard, which was Blessed and Dedicated on 19 February 2003 in Chichester Cathedral. It saddens me to say that our original National Standard, which was based in the Midlands, has mysteriously disappeared, we know not where! Has it been stolen??? If it has, why was it not reported? That Standard belonged to the BNTVA and not to any individual. Whoever holds it can be accused of having illegal possession! If it was not for 'who we are' - the BNTVA - I would have reported this loss to the Police and demanded an enquiry. However, there is a way of correcting this wrong that has been done to our Association and so put it right. Perhaps if the person or persons, who are wrongly withholding it, hand it into a Police Station or even just leave it at one with just a note giving my name and telephone number, or even just my telephone number 01744 630612 - the Police could then contact me and we can go on from there and so, once again, have a 'Midlands Standard'. Better still, whoever is holding it, forget the Police, leave it anonymously in a Church for the Vicar or Priest to find. Attach a note to please contact me and give my telephone number - 01744 630612. Just think how happier you will feel when you have a clear conscience once again. I quote from our Chaplain's Sermon at the Blessing of the new National Standard "Our Standard is a symbol of hope and solidarity". Hope has inspired and continues to inspire our Association and solidarity, born from shared experiences, comradeship in Service and a common endeavour in our own days, are what binds us together. The new Standard will be paraded whenever we meet together. May it be a reminder, not only of our very important service and struggle but also an inspiration for the future as people look at it and draw fresh hope.

In closing I must make mention of our Sheila Gray retiring from the post of National Secretary. She will be sorely missed, not only by myself and all of our Executive Committee but the Association Membership overall. Like all of us, she is not getting any younger and her health is slowly but surely deteriorating. Her Doctors and Consultants have advised her to 'slow down or else’! On a cold November day in 1985, the then Committee and Branch Representatives, held a Meeting in Liverpool. Our Chairman at that time notified us that we no longer had a National Secretary and would someone take the Minutes of the Meeting. Sheila looked at her husband Frank who just looked back at her and shrugged his shoulders to say (I think) ’Please yourselP. With that Sheila offered to act as Secretary until we could get a ’proper one* to do it regularly - that was in 1985! In 1992 she was still there and her Frank was also our Treasurer. Sadly Frank took seriously ill and had to give up the post. Sheila also gave up her post of Secretary to enable her to give 24 hour care to him. Frank passed away in the August of that year and Derek Heaps took over the job as Secretary until 1994 when Sheila returned to her old job as our Secretary. Now she too must stand down because of her own ill health. Not bad eh? To volunteer to help out and do a job for a few weeks and still be ’doing that job’ sixteen to eighteen years later! I should also tell you that, not only did she do her job, when Frank became too ill, she did the Treasurer’s job also for nearly a year, on top of her own work! Sheila Gray, 1 cannot sing anything but the highest praise to you, as a person and as our long suffering Secretary. In sickness and in health you have worked long and hard on our behalf. Good luck Sheila and God Bless. It will be a sad day- 26 April 2003 - at our AGM in Blackpool, when you finally hand over your pen and ink to our next Secretary. Peter Fletcher MBE

CHICHESTER - DEDICATION OF THE NEW ASSOCIATION STANDARD February 19th saw our new Association Standard dedicated. The service was conducted by The Precentor of Chichester Cathedral, The Revd Canon John Ford, our Chaplain and Dean of Chichester, The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling and The Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Revd David Brindley. It was a most uplifting and memorable Service. I am pleased to say that there were well over 100 members and their families present and I want to thank you all for making, in some cases, as was the case of Frank Connery who travelled from Ireland, the long journey, to support our Association. Having that many members present helped to make the day even more notable. There was also a noticeable amount of visitors who also took part in the Service. The three Priests did us proud, as we knew they would and the Service was both simple and moving. The Precentor began with an informal welcome and prayer. Then after a hymn the Lessons were read. Katherine Connery, the daughter of a veteran, read the first one and Les Gosling, Portsmouth Branch Representative, read the second. Father Nicholas then spoke of our cause and explained what we were all about so that the visitors would understand who and what we were. There was a further hymn and prayer, then the new Standard was brought in by Derek Heaps, who was acting as our temporary Association Standard Bearer. Accompanying it were two more of our Standards, one from the Portsmouth Branch, which was borne by Roy Greenaway and the other was from the NW Branches, borne by Harry Smallwood. Father Nicholas then conducted the dedication and the Dean of Portsmouth, The Very Revd David Brindley, said a prayer. The Lone Piper played a lament, which was very haunting in such a beautiful and old Cathedral as was the following Reveille played by two trumpeters. Further prayers were then given followed by the Blessing of the Wreaths and floral tributes. These were to be taken later that day to Portsmouth Cathedral to rest by our Memorial Stone. After a further hymn and prayer the National Anthem was played and sadly the memorable occasion ended. We then adjourned to a Civic Reception given us by the Mayor of Chichester and his Lady, Councillor and Mrs David Siggs. Our thanks go to the Mayor for his support and for his words of encouragement, they were truly appreciated. We must also give thanks to Rose Deschampsneufs who is Father Nicholas1 PA. She not only helped Father Nicholas, Sheila, Peter and Les, in the pre-organising but was also there to guide us in the Cathedral and assist us at the Reception. Later, at 17.30 hours, another small Service took place at the Memorial Stone at Portsmouth Cathedral led by the Dean of Portsmouth where the Blessed Wreaths and floral tributes were laid. Present at this Ceremony was - Les Gosling and Norman Aplin and their wives, from the Portsmouth Branch; their Standard and Standard Bearer, Roy Greenaway; Peter Fletcher, President BNTVA accompanied by his daughter and son-in-law, Pauline and John Smith; the NW Standard and Standard Bearer, Harry Smallwood and Sheila Gray, Secretary BNTVA. This too, was a thought provoking Service and was held in memory of the ships that sailed for Australia to take part in Britain's first Nuclear Bomb Test at Monte Bello on 3 October 1952. It was moving day and it was good to see so many comrades unite together for this special event.

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The Blessing of the Standard By The Precentor of Chichester Cathedral, The Revd Canon John Ford. Tha Chaplain of the Association Dean of Chichester, The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling, and the Dean of Portsmouth, The Very Revd David Brindley.

Mrs Sheila Gray, Lady Mayoress of Chichester, Peter Fletcher

Group Photograph Derek Heaps, Standard Bearer. Mrs Siggs. Lady Mayoress. The Very Revd Nicholas Frayling, Dean ol Chichester. Sheila Gray. Secretary. Cone. David Siggs. Mayor of Chichester. John Lowe, Chairman B.N.T.V.A. Peter Fletcher MBE, President B.N.T.V.A.

Special Discount of 10% Off Funeral Directors Fees for Members of the BrjiMa Nuclear Tests Veterans Association. r

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