Spring 2004

British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association All we seek is justice

Newsletter Spring Edition 2004

BNTVA Officers and National Executive Committee National Chairman John Lowe 45 Sheldrake Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5LJ

Widows Representative Mavis Gardner (Mrs) 30 Link Road Ansty Leicester LE7 7BW

BNTVA Contact details

Web site www.bntva.com E mail addresses of the Officers and Executive committee Chairman

National Vice Chairman and Membership Secretary Derick Redfern 32 St Aubyn Crescent Newquay Cornwall TR72RQ

National Secretary & Newsletter Editor Jeff Liddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA National Treasurer Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close Seaton Carew Hartlepool Cleveland TS25 IDG

Children's Representative Martin Blackburn 154 Astley Street Tydesley Manchester M29 7AX Tel/Fax 01942 887566

Advisors to the Executive Committee Honorary President Peter Fletcher MBE 11 Lord Street St Helens Merseyside WA10 2SJ Advising Solicitor Ian Greenhalgh LLB Unit B Worthington Way Marus Bridge Wigan WN3 6XE

chairman@bntva.com

Vice Chairman vicechairman@bntva.com Secretary

secretarv@bntva.com

Treasurer

treasurei~@bntva.com

Widows Rep

widrep@bntva.com

Tribunals & War Pensions

tripen@bntva.com

Child Rep

childrep@bntva.com

Telephone and Fax Numbers John Lowe Chairman

Tel & Fax 0161 941 2164 Derick Redfern Vice Chairman

Tfei & Fax 01637 879048 Jeff Liddiatt Secretary/Editor

Tel 01275 848965 Fax 01275 845867 Ken Roberts Treasurer

Tfel& fax 0142 927 3392 War Pensions and Tribunal Officer Derek Heaps 4 Bakewell Drive Castle Donnington Derby DE7 2 NF

Chaplain The Very Revd Nicholas Fray ling Dean of Chichester The Deanery Canon Lane Chichester West Sussex P019IPX Web Manager Colin Jenner Line Type Design

Mavis Gardner Widows Rep

Fax 0116 236 4737 Derek Heaps War Pensions and Tribunals

T>1& Fax 01332 811429 Martin Blackburn Children's Rep

ihl/Fax 01942 887566

Newsletter British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association www.bntva.com Editor

Jeff Liddiatt

Publishing & Design

Jeff Liddiatt

Production

Money Givers Colour Printers Wedmore Road Cheddar Somerset BS27 3EJ

Has apathy set in After all this time could it be that Nuclear Test Veterans have given up the cause, and no longer have any interest in seeking justice from the Ministry of Defence?

It is hoped for everbody’s sake that we do not lose this case simply because there are insufficient numbers who are prepared to persevere.

That would be a very sad state of affairs.

John Lowe Chairman Message from the Vice-Chairman

Straight talk about Compensation.

Tel: 01934 743659

Mailing Labels

Derick Redfern Tel: 01637 879048

Packing and postage

MedPrint Portishead

Contact the Editor Tel: 01275 848965 email secretarv@bntva.com Postal address 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA Chairman's report For the past twenty years this Association has fought long and hard to convince the Ministry of Defence that they owe the nation's Nuclear Test Veterans a duty of care, in respect of the health risk they placed them under during military service.

At long last, with the impending legal action which is being taken by Clarke Willmott of Bristol and Alexander Harris of Altrincham, it appears that we may well be close to achieving those aims.

When Litigation was first muted 1213 people expressed an interest in pursuing a claim against the MOD. However, when push comes to shove, only half of them bothered to complete the solicitor’s questionnaire.

Is this because people are unwilling to risk £117.50 which the non legal aid participants may be called upon to contribute towards the costs?

Or is it that no one cares anymore.

With reference to the article in the last edition of the Newsletter called “Straight talk about compensation”.

We cannot be to hasty over compensation. During the last 18 months your committee has been involved with the lawyers and have made sure that the evidence they require is with them I'm sure that when and if the point of negotiation is reached all views will be taken into consideration.

It is, however, important to understand that the firms of Alexander Harris and Clarke Willmott do not act on behalf of the BNTVA as an Association. The legal action is being brought by each individual who has completed the questionnaire and is interested in taking the matter further. As an Executive committee we are doing our best to facilitate this process by answering many queries that the veterans have so that the lawyers can get on with their job with as small amount of interruption as possible. There is a team working specifically on behalf of the veterans, checking and recording each individual claim.

This means that we can only pass on your opinions with regard to the issue of compensation (something which we have done). Please rest assured, we as your committee, are doing our best on your behalf.

I am happy for anyone to contact me with any queries.

My telephone number is 01637 879048 or my mobile is 07969 42670.

An URGENT request has come from our solicitors Clarke Willmott. Only a small proportion of the financial questionnaires sent out have been returned to date. Until they are all returned, the preparations cannot go any further. When the questionnaires have been analysed the case will go forward. Please return yours!

Derick Redfern Vice Chairman

British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association Monthly Totals by Class 1 Jan 2003 to 31 Dec 2003 Total Jan-03 Feb-03 Mar-03 Apr-03 May-03 Jun-03 Jui-03 Aug-03 Sep-03 Oct-03 Nov-03 Dec-03 Class 455 5,489 5,489 11,082 7,672 1,783 1,926 2,155 2,536 2,442 1,338 2,116 2,161 START BALANCE 0 233 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 a1 Associate Members 28 141 58 0 -235 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a2 Accountancy 0 0 -235 0 -787 0 0 0 -90 0 -11 -577 -109 0 a3 AGM Expences 0 0 0 -109 -60 0 0 0 0 -49 0 0 0 0 0 b4 Branch Rebates -66 -40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 c1 Computor Spares -26 0 -125 -20 -50 0 0 0 0 0 -20 0 -35 0 c2 Cheque Bounced 240 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 c3 Court Kittsen 0 -237 -47 0 0 0 0 0 0 -83 0 -28 -79 c4 Committee Meeting 543 3,226 79 0 145 136 40 40 125 74 247 1,359 439 d1 Donations -25 0 0 -25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 f1 Flowers/Wreaths 0 -856 0 0 -47 0 0 0 0 -129 0 -680 0 f2 Fixed Assets 449 91 0 10 0 10 15 10 70 243 0 0 0 f3 Fighting Pension Fund 50 -1,050 0 -1,100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 LOAN London branch -25 -25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I3 Legal Fees 210 310 10,935 290 205 140 70 110 700 4,653 1,967 1,780 500 ml Membership Fee -87 -49 -122 -464 -75 0 0 -30 0 -90 0 0 -12 m2 Motor Expences 0 0 -300 -210 -561 0 -386 -3,031 0 0 0 -161 -1,413 m3 Magazine 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 90 120 1,600 1,840 0 0 m4 Membership Fees 04 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 170 0 0 170 m5 Membership Fees 05 -45 -1 -127 -58 -478 -143 -140 -33 -86 -232 -116 -158 -1,617 p1 Postage 0 -251 0 0 -28 -26 0 -189 0 0 -382 -183 -1,059 p2 Purchase of Goods 0 0 0 -450 -281 -295 0 0 0 0 0 -40 -1,065 p3 Political Meeting 0 0 -30 0 0 0 0 0 0 -20 -35 -40 -125 p4 Poppy Appeal -15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -15 p5 Presentation 0 0 494 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 494 0 r1 Raffles -36 -29 -325 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -390 r2 Repairs -10 0 -100 -1,000 -25 6 390 0 -88 -69 -2 s1 Sundries 0 -899 93 99 348 461 9 49 11 17 36 188 s2 Sale of Goods 38 128 1,475 -28 -160 -75 -470 -362 -189 -202 -125 -83 -94 -230 -153 -2,172 s3 Stationary 0 -222 -5 -10 -234 -137 -156 -20 0 -56 -148 t1 Telephone/Fax -71 -1,059 0 -5,000 -5,000 0 0 2,000 0 t3 Business Reserve Account 0 1,000 0 0 1,000 -6,000 0 -28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 t4 Travel 0 -3 0 -31 END BALANCE 11,082 7,672 1,783 1,826 2,155 2,536 2,442 1,338 2,116 2,161 465 3,107 3,107 6,579 2,587 2,675 692 1,472 2,289 269 TOTAL INCOME 101 1,321 1,225 467 3,830 23,506 -986 -5,997 -8,564 -548 -1,244 -1,908 -363 -1,204 TOTAL EXPENDITURE -543 -1,179 -2,174 -1,178 -25,888 5,593 -3,410 i-5,890 £ 144 229 381 -94 -1,104 CASH FLOW 778 46 -1,707 2,662 -2,382

Easter Message from our Chaplain As I write this Easter message, I feel a very close identification with many members of the Association, since I am about to go into hospital for surgery for prostate cancer. Thankfully, the prognosis is very good, and I take this oppertunity to thank very many people for their prayers and good wishes.

Needless to say, the causes of my illness are mysteri­ ous than those suffered by many of you, and I can only marveKand not for the first time) at the courage and resilience which you have shown in the face of not only illness and bereavement, but also lack of public recognition of the justice of your cause.

Treasurer's annual report This is the final report for 2003, and of course, this coincides with the end of the financial year. The fig­ ures I give will be before the Accountants report.

However I cannot see his figures differing from mine in anyway * his interpretation may be slightly different, but the figures will be the same.

Subscription Notice

You can see that our Total Income Figure is £23,506.00 for this year while last years was £20,724.00. Our Expenditure has also increased, but not out of line with normal expectations. I decided in this report, to give you a print out for the full year, rather than a monthly account. This will show all the transactions during 2003. However, do not be mislead by the £25888.00 with a minus sign in front. We banked from the Current account to the Business account during the year some £6000.00. We have however had to transfer back some £4000.00 to the Current account. Therefore the minus figure is in fact actually £19888.00. You will also note that the expenses that could be classed as individual’s expenses are kept to the minimum (ie Telephone,Motor expenses,Committee meetings, etc).

I thank the Executive and Committee for making my job easier - by not having to refuse legitimate expens­ es. When you think, of the geographical spread of the Executive and Committee - from North East/ North West through Derby & the Midlands, down through Bristol to Cornwall - this is remarkable I would also like you to note that more fees, are being paid in advance than was previously the case - last year it was £1300.00. This year it has shot up to £2000.00 with more coming in day by day. I do not like it as I cannot issue a membership card as a receipt until they are printed towards the end of 2004 - However I cannot turn money away.

Every year our Treasurer is asked the same question “Do I have to pay because I am a widow or I am a pensioner?” When the Association was first formed it was decided that as most of the members were below retirement age and there were a few widows and pension­ ers, that both these categories of membership would not have to pay any annual subscriptions.

At the time only about 25% of the membership came within these categories. Today the position has changed completely, only very few of the membership is below pension age. About 90% are either widows or pensioners.

If the association is to survive then we must all pay our annual subscriptions. From this year on the concession of not paying subscriptions will cease

In the last newsletter the Secretary/Editor put in a block pointing out that fees for 2003 were overdue, and suggested that they send they with the 20004 fees (Two years fees). Some members have read this as my wanting two years fees, and we have some 27 mem­ bers paid up for 2005, 2for 2006 and even one for 2007! Just one final thing - The cheques that bounced have all been made good. The business Reserve account stood at £21,951.00 at the end of the year.

Last year at the same time, it stood at £15695.00.

Adding our current account of £3108.04 gives us liquid assets of £25005.54. Last year the liquid assets under the same criteria was £21,155.00 There is just one un-presented cheque for £1.06 to come in the account.

This means in fact that once again we have traded in the black - long may it continue.

Holy Week and Easter remind us of the central events of Christianity, which are by no means confined to the stable at Bethlehem - a pity so many people in our society fail to recognise the fact! The truth is, the heart of our faith is the cross and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the one indicating his total identification with sinful and suffering humanity, and the sequel, the unlimited power of God to turn defeat into victory, death into life through all eternity.

I very much hope to be able to be with you and to preach at the service during the Annual Conference in Blackpool in April, but in the meantime, may I extend my warmest greetings to members and their families and my prayers that you will all have a very happy Easter.

Nicholas Frayling Dean of Chichester

National Secretary March 2004

I know one of the proposals the Executive hope top be discussing will be the setting up of a database of the illness’s of veterans. I know this will be expensive however it is my belief, along with the rest of the Executive Officials that, this is essential. We believe it should have been done fifteen or more years ago * this will allow us to quote actual figures to MOD

when fighting our case. It is my belief it would have been just as important, if not more so, than the research done by Sue Rabbitt Roff at Dundee University.

You will note we had two expenses (Not counting magazines) in four figures. The first was setting up the BNTVA web site, (which had been run free for its first year). Thank you Colin! The purchasing of two standards, by London Branch (unauthorised). Peter Fletcher offered to advance them the money out of his Funeral Fund. This, the Executive could not allow hence the loan.

Overall I am satisfied we are continuing our recovery this year, although the fees have remained the same.

It is in fact cheaper to belong to the BNTVA. At the AGM we changed the Associates members to free family members, and branches have been offered 10% of their membership fees back, if they claim them.

You will note not many branches have claimed.

However, the offer is there. The Executive should also see a copy of each Branch Accounts to ensure they are being run correctly.

I have tried in this report to put my facts in layman's language so that you can all understand our financial position. I can only hope I have succeeded, and you are all now conversant with our sound position. We need the influence of money behind us - so that whatever the Executive and Committee decide, we will be able to meet it financially. We cannot relax our vigilance and allow a free for all ever again.

Legitimate and Authorised expenses will always be met. I feel sure the members would want it that way; after all, it is their money. We are only caretakers.

Ken Roberts National Treasurer BNTVA January 2004

Snipits from the Australian National Archive Seeing things or have they been to the NAAFI or the RSL? A UFO hovered over Maralinga for fifteen minutes after several nuclear tests in September and October of 1957. The Corporal at the base who made the report said the craft was a silver-blue metallic saucer, with portholes around it and was only 150 feet away at one stage. The UFO was also witnessed by several other military officers and a private air traffic control officer. The corporal had this to say; "I swear to you as a practicing Christian this was no dream, no illusion, no fairy story - but a solid craft of metallic construction."

tests in the 1950s & 60s, classified documents show.

The chemical warfare program included Maralinga, where investigations were undertaken on the contamination of water supplies by nerve gas and nuclear explosions.

Documents obtained by The Advertiser also show Australian scientists closely monitored a US project in which servicemen were used to test a pill to treat the effects of radiation.

The US scientists earlier developed a kit they claimed would make water contaminated with radiation safe for drinking within 15 minutes.

The top-secret memorandums reveal the Australian Army wanted scientists to investigate how water supplies could be decontaminated during nuclear and chemical warfare.

Nuclear test veterans seeking compensation said yesterday the documents raised new questions about the nature of the British nuclear tests in Australia.

Long-term campaigner Avon Hudson, of Balaklava South Australia, said the documents proved the tests went beyond the explosion of nuclear devices at Maralinga, Emu Field and the Montebello Islands off Western Australia.

"These documents are the only ones we have ever seer which show that chemical warfare was part of the whole program," he said.

The memorandums issued from the Defence Standards Laboratories detail how the Victorian facility began experiments with nerve gas in 1957, with further work on the decontamination of water supplies beginning in 1959.

One document says “the nerve gas experiments were overseen by a Dr J. Tregellas-Williams, whose initial work is being concentrated on a study of the hydrolysis of nerve gas GB at various PH". The memorandum says another scientist, Dr P.W. Bowe, began work on the contamination of water supplies by nerve gas and nuclear devices in 1959. Another DSL document says US scientists had found chemicals called ion exchange resins that could "remove up to 98 per cent of the lethal radioactivity" from water supplies.

The memorandum, dated May 7, 1958, to the chief superintendent of the DSL, F.A. Fox, said “Australian military liaison officers based in Washington were seeking more information”. Veterans Affairs Minister Danna Vale said yesterday that if the documents had not been examined by the McLelland Royal Commission into British Nuclear Tests in Australia "we would be interested in looking at them".

The documents are available for public scrutiny at www.atomicsurvivors.org

Around the Branches Portsmouth Branch

Maralinga tests on nerve gas, files show The Melbourne Herald-Sun. December 31, 2001.

By COLIN JAMES AUSTRALIAN defence scientists conducted top-secret experiments with nerve gas during the British atomic

At 11.30 am on Sunday 21st February 2004, in The Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury, over fifty members of the Portsmouth branch of the BNTVA with relatives friends, supporters and three local councillors, met with the Standard bearers of the Royal British Legion and Portsmouth Branch of the

BNTVA, to commemorate the sailing of the first ships and men in February 1952 to the beginning of the atomic tests on the Monte Bello Islands the following October.

Saturday 17th April 2004 starts at 13.30 hrs. Please be in your seats by this time so that we can start on time.

Bob Smith Scotland

The service followed the familiar pattern of a short Service of Remembrance inside the Cathedral to the accompaniment of the organ, which continued in the Memorial Garden with the Last Post, the minute's silence and the Reveille. Always a poignant time for everyone present, followed by wreath laying on the memorial stone adjacent to the memorial bench made by the Late Len Gladdis BNTVA ex RN. This year the weather was kind to us, sunny but cold, which made the post-service refreshments in the Church House even more welcome. As usual it became a forum for the annual chitchat, which may sound frivolous, but is so important to all those present that can only manage to meet once a year.

Unfortunately, this year Peter Fletcher phoned to say he could not make it. He is a welcome face in Portsmouth and this is the first occasion he has missed for as long as I can remember. He hopes to see us all at the AGM in Blackpool.

The Portsmouth Branch would like to thank all those who attended the service, for making our contribution to the BNVTA cycle of Remembrance, special for them and for us.

Our normal pattern of meeting continues in the ex Servicemen's Club Fratton Road. Our ‘Christmas do’ was held at the Portsmouth Bowling Club to which we welcomed our chaplain the Very Revd Nicholas Frayling Dean of Chichester. We are looking towards a successful 2004.

Scotland area What a way to start the year, thanks to Archie Loudon for pointing out my (senior moment) I’d forgotten that this was a leap year. The extra day puts October 3rd 2004 to the Sunday and not the 2nd as I'd written.

That one out of the way, I would like to ask those of you whose postal address is not correct to send me a postcard with the correct details as the Post Office is getting very fussy about the use of Post Codes. I had noticed that many of the addresses on the list I was sent had spelling mistakes and most did not have Post Codes. With any luck we should be able to sort this out over the next few months.

My address is 11 Holyknowe Crescent Lennoxtown G66 7DY I will be investigating the possibility of a branch meeting at Stirling as they have two Legion Halls and we may get the use of one of these for a Saturday afternoon. I will be writing to the Secretary to see if they can accommodate us, and if successful will send a letter to all-Scottish members.

If any of you are coming to Blackpoo, the meeting on

North Wales Branch There have been comments made about the lack of reports coming in from branches. With this in mind I would like to mention how we work in North Wales.

This branch is run entirely on local donations for which I am very grateful. I have held branch meetings in the past, but, as pointed out by Marilyn Hall of East Midlands branch, the majority are now aged and in poor health, and do not like to travel to branch meetings. The journey in North Wales can be a long one. To keep us together I send out letters to Veterans and widows. A copy is also sent to the Chairman.

I feel the position of branch rep is one of being around when needed. As my members put it, ‘you are only a phone call or letter away\ This method has worked very well for some time.

I would like to add the information for representatives mostly comes from the newsletter the same way as any other veteran.

Incidentally the first newsletters were produced in Wales. We understand the importance of the newsletter.

I am also in contact with my local MP and the local office of the Veterans Agency (war pensions).

My personal wish is that as we age we remember the good times rather than the bad. Every effort should be made to contact all veterans beyond the BNTVA. Peter Bullen

Hows that!!

Christmas Island 1957 Imagine the coral beach men playing cricket, or just lying around sunbathing. The only difference is that when sunbathing it was often done in the altogether (nude). RAF Station Standing Orders were issued as they were each week, but this time with a new permanent order it read as follows.

It went along the lines of “It is RAF policy to keep equipment stowed until required for use. Wear shorts at all times”. This came about because soon after our two WRVS ladies had arrived and had taken a stroll along the beach!!!

Kenneth Pett Did anyone keep a copy of the order? The writer would love to have a copy - Ed.

Calling all members in South Australia George and Shirley Richardson live in Trott Park South Australia. They have written asking if there are any more members in the State of South Australia. If there were, they would like to meet up for a jar or three. George and Shirley also extend a welcome to any UK members who find themselves in the Adelaide area of South Australia. Just make contact with George.

Name and address available from the National Secretary

the chest end of the top row - a gallantry medal. I was not sure which one it was I did not want to get to close too find out. The trousers were on a par with the shirt. Only four creases, one down the front of each leg and one down the back. The accoutrements to his dress were a pace stick with a large shining brass knob, a webbing belt, a pair of gaiters and a pair of very large black shinny boots. I thought to myself,” if you were caught at a football match with that lot you would be arrested for having offensive weapons”. For those who think we had arrived at Butlins or daddy's yacht how wrong you are. The voice said, “this is “RAF Christmas Island. My name is Warrant Officer Lovejoy, I am the Station Warrant Officer," As if we did not know.

When I give the command, you disembark from the aircraft in the following way. “Those nearest the door lead off first, followed by the next row and so on.

When you get outside fall-in in three ranks, from here you will taken be by coach to the mess for a meal.

This manoeuvre will be carried in an airman like fashion. DISEMBARK!”

RAF Christmas Island from the air.

Julia Guerin writes with some memories found when she was sorting out her husband's things.

We circled the island for about 10 mins, before touching down. I looked out of the window but could see nothing that would give an idea what to expect. I saw the odd light, the reflection of the moon on the sea and the dark lines of the coast.

More lights appeared much closer, right underneath followed by three bumps, the engines throttled back a slight pitching as the brakes were applied. We turned off on to the peri track, a slow run to the dispersal area, then silence we had arrived.

The cabin door was opened and air sucked in at 30,000 feet was replaced with hot sticky humid air which took your breath away. God if it's like this at 2am what is it going to be like at midday There was a lot of talking and jabbering as people tried to sort out hand baggage. A sudden silence sweeps over the aircraft from the direction of the main door. There it stood. It moved a little further up the aircraft. I had seen them before and since, but this took the can. Hat squarely on top of head, peak down over eyes almost touching the nose, not a hair showing, head moving side to side taking in all before it. His shirt looked as if it had been starched on himnot a wrinkle. Sleeves rolled up two inches above the elbow, two or three rows of medals one of which was a long distance medal (or 12yrs undetected crime) other various sorts of campaign medals. One stood out at

“After you have eaten you will be taken to temporary accommodation for the night. In the morning at 07.30, you will parade outside where I will address you again”.

Funny people like that never talk to you, only address you.

The meal was at best awful and at least inedible, it consisted of two fried eggs which had seen better days they looked like two golly's eyes and a sausage which lived up to the RAF name of‘mystery bag’.

The temporary accommodation was one large tent with three rows of beds with one blanket on each. I remember that I lay on the top of the bed without getting undressed. Had a ciggy and thought of the morning.

Medals New medal for New Zealand Terry Knight BEM brings our attention to the new medal being issued to New Zealand ex-servicemen who took part in ‘Operation Grapple’. Terry feels that it is ironic that Her Majesty the Queen has approved a medal for New Zealand but there is no approval for one to be issued to any of the UK forces that took part in any of the Nuclear Tests.

Terry also suggests that the Executive Committee should look at getting a medal designed and submitted for approval. Full details of the NZ medal can be found on www.onenews.nzoom.com/onenews_detail/0,1227,9679 6-7-00,html

New Commemorative Medal from Australia Ric Johnstone of the ANVA writes to tell us about the new medal. There are two commemorative medals for sale here in Australia but they are considered to be of low quality and not exclusively for those who took part in the British Nuclear Weapons Tests. These are being sold in Australia for 70$aus but are not selling very well.

However we have commissioned a medal manufacturer in the UK to make us a first class medal and ribbon that will be exclusive to British Nuclear Weapons tests in Australia and the Islands of the Pacific, and only available to those service personnel who participated in the tests and their families, regardless of where they came from. The medal company we are using is famous for it's quality and has been making medals for many years. The medals are to be struck and not cast as in the past, making for a cleaner sharper image. They should be ready for distribution early this year 2004.

We will keep you informed.

What I did on my National Service served on Christmas Island from 1958 to 1959, uring which time I witnessed 4 atomic tests, and two i bombs. I was doing My National Service in the RAOC. My job was part of a team that printed the newspaper each day to keep the troops informed about what was going on both, on the Island and the rest of the world.

I would be interested to know if any of the members can remembers the publication. I was also there when the Duke of Edinburgh visited the island, and recall it was an appalling day. It rained like hell for most of the visit. I think myself lucky compared to others who served on the Island. I only have a few aches and pains in my knees that come with age.

If anyone would like to get in touch, the editor has my address Maurice V Viney ex. RAOC

Can anyone remember me?

My name is Douglas Newton ex HMS Narvik 1958. I write to ask the question.” Are there any of the Narvik's 1958/59 crew registered as members of the BNTVA?“ I was on Malden Island and spent several hours on the beach hooking up to DUWKS with 4 to-5 others. Unfortunately, I cannot remember their names.

Douglas Newton Newton@optusnet.com.au John (Sparrow) Welland Would like to hear from anyone who served with him in 2 Special Air Formation Squadron Christmas Island during the Grapple tests 1958/59. Also anyone from any theatre

of operations who has suffered from acute Psoriasis since their time on the island.

John Welland Editor has the address

Sent in by John Furlong ex HMS Diana.

Opposite Paisley Abbey is a commemorative stone in tribute to the many service men who attended the Atomic bomb Tests which were held in the South Pacific Islands and subsequently died from the illnesses caused by the "Radiation and fall out dust" which they had to endure as Human Guinea Pigs.

The Government and scientists had to experiment with the various types of atomic and nuclear explosions on the ground and in mid air and study the resultant aftermaths on property and persons.

A solitary bunch of flowers was laid in memory of one sailor who had been ordered to sit out on the deck of a Royal Navy Frigate with his back to the flash and blast, and cover his eyes with his hands. Then later, when the fallout dust covered the decks all the crew had to hose down to decontaminate the ship.

Years later, with his throat eaten away with cancer, unable to speak and using a note pad and pencil to communicate his last requests he died a horrific death Whilst his widow laid the flowers, her second husband, himself a National Serviceman from 194850, remembered the envy of his colleagues in the British Army of the Rhine that some guys had all the luck being taken to the Romantic South Pacific Sea for a holiday???????

A few moments of meditation and a final salute may have left the passing traffic wondering

Taken from the Sunday Post 2nd November 2003 IF you were passing Paisley Abbey in October and spotted a group holding some kind of ceremony opposite the building, you may have wondered what was going on.

If you saw the moments of quiet meditation followed by a solemn salute you'd have been forgiven for thinking it was an early Remembrance Day gathering.

Well, it was a ceremony of remembrance, and for servicemen too. But not those who died in combat against a foreign foe.

This was Nuclear Tests Veterans Remembrance Day. A tribute to the servicemen who attended the atomic bomb tests in the South Pacific in the 1950's &l960's Many of them were later to die painful, premature deaths because of their exposure to radiation.

I I

Most people were unaware of this tribute at the time, so perhaps on November 11, as we remember those who fell in past conflicts, we can spare a thought for those young British Men who paid a terrible price for being used as cold war guinea pigs. ©The Sunday Post

Grapple ties We have had many letters asking if we could help to find a supply of Grapple Ties. We have found a supplier who can manufacture them. All we need is your orders, and will keep you informed as to the progress. Has anyone a large drawing or photograph of the Grapple Badge for the tie company to copy?

Hobby's Are any of you men secret cross stitchers?

Bob Aslett tells us that he has found a cross-stitch pattern depicting Christmas Island If any of you are interested we can order one for you.

Please contact the editor if you are interested.

Sapper Michael Smith RE

involved Army Navy and RAF personnel took part, the Padre conducted the service.

Wreaths were cast on the surface of the water, (see photograph).

Bert has been able to contact the family to help fill in some of the gaps. After all this time he was also able to supply them with a photograph of Michael before the accident.

Thank you Bert for getting in touch to help end this sad story.

Dennis Shaw writes Hello Jeff I enclose three photographs for the newsletter.

(Unfortunatly the photos would not scan so we have been unable to reproduce them in the newsletter) The names of the chaps in the photographs are Bill (Bruce) Woodcock Bob Walters, and me on the beach.

The photo of the two chaps is of James (Willy) Simpson who was in 36Regt. He did his basic training with me. Other names to mention are Jim Elliot, Terry Rogers who lives in Middlesbrough and was in C&M troop. Mike Pettit and Frank Molyneaux both worked with me. I was responsible for the maintenance of all the cookhouses, seeing that all the stoves in the cookhouses worked. I didn't do the cooking the RAF saw to that.and ablution blocks’, you know the one that always gave you hot water, and the dog in the photograph was called Fleabag and was the unofficial mascot of 73 Christmas Island Squadron. One other name I will mention is Chris Harrison-Smith, he had bright ginger hair and got very sunburnt when he decided to walk from one of the outlying sites back to main camp for his lunch.

His uncle was a surgeon at the hospital at the time and he had to remove his jacket in the theatre, the same surgeon also sterilised Fleabag when it became compulsory for all pets on the island to be done. The last one is Bill Fothergill who was a Lance Corporal.

Most of these were in E & M troop. Incidentally Fleabag was still alive in 1964 having been adopted by a RAF Squadron.

Presidents Letter Dear Friends Another year has passed and we are approaching our AGM - 17 April 2004 which marks the 21st year since our elite Association was founded. 'Twenty-one' but we still do not 'Have the key to the door'! However, we will continue to strive to get the truth and believe you me, the truth will, one day, come out into the open!

Memorial service at sea On a sad note in the last issue, we asked for anyone who could help the family of the late Sapper Michael Smith to contact the editor.

Bert Leighton contacted the editor with some photographs of Michael’s memorial service, which took place at sea just off the island. Two vessels were

Documents and Orders, issued at the time of the Tests, are still locked away from the eyes of the Public and will be for years to come. We are told by successive Governments, the reason for this is because of National Security and Sensitivity - what National Security? Schoolboys in a chemistry class can make a bomb these days with the correct ingredients to hand!

What Sensitivity - if officials made mistakes, thus causing our illnesses, they should be named and if necessary, shamed! It is time our Government

realised that our fight goes on for justice.

Things on our home front have been pretty quiet this last year or so, but this does not detract from the hard work of our Committee. Our gratitude goes to the whole Committee. My old mate Ron Knight in Perth, Australia keeps our flag flying over there via the newspapers, radio and TV. He even got one of their MPs to give me the Australian National Flag, plus the Aboriginal National Flag, for my collection.

On a rather sad note, our Chaplain, The Very Rev Nicholas Frayling, has been in hospital for an operation for prostatic cancer. Ibday's report is that he is comfortable but not making the progress the doctors had expected. Needless to say he is deep in our thoughts and prayers.

We have the Standards and the stones but there is an amount of money still to be paid. This is where you come in - we urgently need the funds to complete the purchase the Standards. Some of us will have donated to the purchase of previous Standards and Stones; some of us did not have the chance. I ask you all from all over the UK, to please send a donation.

Large and small it all will help. Don’t hesitate, do it now, get out your cheque book and send what you can - Please!

We hope to be in a position to announce the results at our AGM. Please, reach for that cheque book now and send your donation to Mr K Taylor, 7 Turley Road, Stratford, London E15 3JD. Cheques should be made payable to 'London Branch BNTVA' Peter Fletcher MBE- Hon.President

See you all in April.

Peter G Fletcher MBE

A PLEA FROM THE PRESIDENT London Branch and Essex Branch. Need help with the costs of the new standards and memorial stones. [t is hoped to hold the services of dedication during June this year. Look out for further news nearer the time.

Special Event

News In the Christmas edition of the newsletter we asked if anyone in Lancing area of West Sussex knew of a veteran named Chris. Our Sussex Representative Jim Cooper writes to tell us that he knows him very well.

His name is Chris Christodollo he served with the Royal Engineers 38 Reg. As MT driver. He sailed to the Christmas Island on the TS Dunera. He was known as Taff Hill then. He has worked a lot in the recent past with the reunion at Weston super Mare and has made many new friends. His most sincere wish is to meet someone who served with him on Christmas Island. His health has stopped him from taking an active part in any outside activity over recent times.

Come to East Anglia in July 3rd July 2004 at the Anglia Motel Washway Road on the A17(T) east of Holbeach Spalding Lines Grand Evening Entertainment with Dancing 8pm to 12.30am £2.50 on the door all proceeds to the National Funds of the BNTVA held in conjunction with the CUSTOM CAR SHOW Motel Accommodation, 4-Tents, 4-Caravan park 4- Chalets contact Harold Payne at the Anglia Motel on 01406 422766 with the possibility of a BNTVA Church parade on the Sunday 4 July

CCrown copyright

Instrument and Electrical sections RAF Christmas Island 1958 Here is a copy of a photograph sent in by Vince Martin, he can name the ones sat in the front row, what about the rest! Can you recognise yourself or any of your mates at that time?

Please send any information to the editor

It's a small world I was not aware that the BNTVA existed until the summer of 2002 when I saw an article in the Yorkshire Evening Post regarding the 50th anniversary stone, which was being laid at Leeds Parish Church, so I went along and subsequently joined the Association. I have just received my Christmas edition of the newsletter and read the piece about the BBC Radio 4 programme which was submitted by Bob (smugger) Smith REME 1958/59 Maralinga. I enclose a photograph of all the lads for that year.

Bob Smith is second from the left in the centre row. I remember Bob breaking two front teeth in the pool, I was there that day. Geordie Pearson is also in the picture that Bob also mentioned in his piece. Geordie lives in Western Australia where he has been for the last 35 years, I still write to Geordie regularly. I sent him a copy of the Christmas newsletter; I am sure he will be delighted to see his name in the newsletter.

Builders found!!

Following the article about the building of the church on Christmas Island, two of the designers and builders of the Church have contacted the editor with more details of the Coral Church.

Stanley Davies and Terry Watford have both sent in details of the Church. That makes three of the four men in the published photograph identified, the only one not given a full name is on the right hand side of the photograph with the check shirt. Who's, name is recalled as Charlie and in the RAF, he has not been fully identified, can any one suggest a surname for him?

Both RAF and Army personnel helped with the construction of the Church. Often working in temperatures of 1300 F. The work was completed in six weeks, building having been carried out after normal working hours and very often continued until after darkness had fallen.

One item in the Church which deserves a special mention, is the font. It was made from a solid piece of coral. It was fashioned and recessed for the brass plaque and water by Stan Davies who was a stonemason. Just imagine the hard work that went into this font by Stan who worked with only very

ordinary tools and had one of the hardest materials in the world to work with.

One of the features of the Church was the stained glass bulls eye round window at the Pine end. The aim of the window was to make almost a kaleidoscope effect to send a mixture of colours around the Church.

When looking for glass to go into the window Padre told us he was going to Honolulu so he was asked to bring back some purple glass. On his return, the builders were most amused that instead of the purple glass, he had brought back the biggest and tastiest pineapples you have ever seen or experienced. They were delicious; Stan tells us he can still taste them today. Some more pictures of the Church are published in this issue. Thanks go to Stanley and Terry for these insights into the building of Christmas Island Church.

Books for Christmas Island Update

British Veterans Recognition Card The British Veterans Recognition Card is a new card being issued to recognise the contribution made by members of the armed forces during the past years.

The MOD was going to issue one but it has been put on the back burner due to the financial considerations.

Hence this venture to issue an independent card.

The card not only records the service of the veteran concerned it also opens the gate to a growing number 'f discounts such as in the high street, holidays, asurance and many more. The card is only issued to .x-service personnel as when you apply a copy of your discharge book or papers is required.

When application is made via the BNTVA 10% of the joining fee and the first years subscription comes back to the BNTVA funds.

Part of the goal is also to create links with all the web sites within the veterans community so the the site www.britishveterans.co.uk becomes the portal for veterans affairs.

Representatives from the BVRC hope to come to the AGM to sign up the first members of the BNTVA. If you wish to take up this offer at the AGM you will need to bring a copy of your service record and a passport sized photograph (if digital at 300 dpi) signed on the back, and a copy of the detail page with picture of your passport or the picture side of the small E U driving licence.

The fees are as follows Up to 64 years of age £25.00 joining fee £10.00 per year subscription 65 years and over joining fee waived £10.00 for first year Then £8.00 per year Five year subscriptions Up to 64 £50.00 65 and over

£40.00

As you will be aware last year Pete Williams and myself collected an amount of books for the children of Christmas Island, some 80 Kgs of books. Thanks to Air N.Z., we managed to get them lifted from Glasgow to Hawaii airport free of charge. Problems started there as USA customs levy a charge to export the books to Kiribati even though there is no residual value. Many thanks go to Bill Paupe the MD of Air Kiribati for paying the charge to release the books to his care, however it cost £89 to allow him to forward on the packages. I would like to thank both Ken Roberts and John Lowe for allowing Association funds to be used to pay this account, instead of Pete and myself paying the money. I would also like to thank all the members both for books and the payment. The idea of someone being charitable to the islanders seems strange to the Americans, however I know that Tony Bugbird is trying to do more. With any luck and some negotiations with the help of the Hon Sec, we may see a way around any future problems so that more can be done to help.

Bob Smith A letter has been sent to Cohn Powell the Secretary of State we await his reply. Nat Sec

From the Tribunals and War Pensions Officer Armed Forces Pension scheme/ Injury Compensation.

I am most concerned over the government’s declared intention to change, on the introduction of the above schemes, the standard of proof of entitlement to a war pension from ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ to ‘on the balance of probabilities’. At the same time, the current unlimited time for applications will be reduced to five years.

The Royal British Legion handle over 5000 new claims each year on behalf of applicants and its research shows that if the balance of probabilities standard of proof together with the five year time limit were to be applied, this would result in an up to 60% reduction in successful claims. The War Pensions scheme has always recognised the unlimited liability willingly accepted by members of the Armed Forces, and to move the goal posts in this way will deprive them of a much- prized recognition of their service to the country.

This move will cut out any new claims from Nuclear Test Veterans, because the last tests carried out in 1964 - 40 Years ago.

Remembrance Sunday 2003 About 40 BNTVA members and widows stood in Horse Guard’s Parade ready for the big march off to Whitehall. What a pity that only 40 members out of

around 2000 could manage the trip to show the world our Association. The bigger the number on parade would give us a better chance of publicity on TV. Six wheel chairs (one electric) in the front rows, would the pushers next year remember to try and leave a decent space between our group and the ones in- front once again to give attention to the Association.

We marched around to the saluting base where Prince Andrew was taking the salute.

The column in front of us did not give, or was not called to give an eyes light, so in my best military voice called “Nuclear Test Veterans Eyes Right”. This seemed to wake the phnce up from his slumbers as he seemed to straighten up a little bit(I would not like to stand there for all that time at the salute, I bet his arm ache for a long time afterwards.)

We all retired to the usual pub where Don James had ordered sandwiches to be ready for us I think everyone made it there. I took around the hat to help pay for the very welcome food and a grand total of £100 was collected, just £40 short of the total bill.

The short fall being made up from BNTVA funds, as this was an official parade for the Association.

Thanks once again to the members who made the effort to get there. I hope more will be able to attend in 2004. It can only be good for the Association. I realise that you have your own local parades but more publicity can be obtained in LONDON. Derek Heaps T&WPO

How would you like your story to be told in photo and print?

David Him an a professional photographer will be at the AGM looking for volunteers to include in the project.

Dave has had several books of photographs published and is hoping to publish a pictorial history of the servicemens view of the atomic tests and the life afterwards

HMS Narvik Grapple Squadron 1956 to 1959 The 9th reunion was held on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2003. The reunion is for ex- crew members HMS Narvik who served in the ship at Christmas Island during the 1956/59 atomic tests. As usual, the re­ union was a great success.

Twenty-four members with their wives and friends attended a buffet style evening, which commenced at 18.00 Hrs on Friday 2nd. This being our main evening, everyone caught up on gossip and reminisced of 'days gone by’. We also welcomed a new member from Yeovil, as well as the return of John Wright and his wife who now live in Spain.

During Saturday the 3rd, the day was spent by those attending in their own way. Some went to the Cathedral, Museum, or Flag Fen (which is a AngloSaxon village at Fengate) while others did that favourite thing Shopping!! Our evening commenced again at 18.00 Hrs with drinks followed by a three course dinner, the evening continued in the bar where the clock seemed to have stopped.

At last, we have an up-to-date list of all past and present members, which is a database of over 100 name's etc. We all were very sorry to hear of many members who have ‘crossed the bar’.

During the re-union we were given a model of the 'Narvik' made by Tony Cutmore, it cost the price of a bottle of rum.

Later in the year, it was with sadness that we heard ex Leading Stoker William Rafferty had ‘crossed the bar’ during the autumn after a succession of illnesses.

The 10th Reunion will take place on the 7th and 8th May 2004.

Ex-crew members please contact for further details Rod Jenkins 33 Paston Ridings Paston Peterborough PE4 7UR

A trip with a twist Overseas posting - Whoopee - delayed for about twelve months or so by a motorbike accident and then a training course RAF Melksham. I was rescued from further boredom at 16 MU RAF Stafford, by the call to report to RAF Hendon. Task Force Grapple needs you and Christmas Island beckons.

At Hendon we were all kitted out, drawers cellular tropical etc and relieved of our greatcoats. “You won't need them where you are going" Oh yeah; we still have to get there.

After cajoling a couple of fellow deportees to

accompany me on a night out in Soho, (that's a story on it's own) we were bussed to Stanstead Airport, then only a collection of wooden shacks serving as airport buildings. As the frozen dawn broke we climbed aboard a Bristol Britannia operated by Air Charter Ltd. Like excited monkeys, we were jammed into the aircraft. How many of us had flown before that day in November 1958 I did not know? We lined up on the runway the four Bristol Proteus gave a mighty growl and we were off, in a few minutes we were airborne.

It was rumoured around the aircraft that Freddie Laker was the pilot.

Hours later we touched down at Gander International Airport. Another collection of shacks about a quarter of a mile from our dispersal. Dark, freezing and snowing the kind of snow which did not seem to land, it just passed horizontally through your body at great speed en route to some unseen destination.

"Greatcoats" A welcome if expensive cup of proper coffee, fuel for the 'Brit' and more hours to Winnipeg half way across Canada. Not allowed off here due to some on board not having yellow fever jab certificates, 50 we were all pretty stiff by the time we arrived in /ancouver. A beautiful place, tomato juice served with )reakfast at the transit hotel in Marpole on the outskirts, a night out on the town and a dance with virtuous Canadian girls before a freezing return to our hotel narrowly escaping a booking for jay walking by an enraged Canadian cop. (greatcoats).

On the Brit the next morning, we flew over Vancouver Island and purred our way south to Honolulu. A wonderful sunset on the way, it was dusk on a balmy evening when we landed. The lads could not take their eyes off the Eurasian Girls working in the airport. We were then reminded of what poor relations of America we were in our well-crumpled best blues. A coffee (best ever) and a burger at a dollar a go - this was serious money.

Whilst waiting for the faithful Brit to be tanked up we saw and heard a Pan Am Boeing Stratocruiser take off in the dusk. " What on earth was that"?

We embarked again on to our "Whispering Giant" which growled quietly south in hours of darkness, we touched down on the rock after completing something like 32 flying hours for the whole trip. The aircraft doors opened and in came Christmas Island - all 98% humidity and 98°F of it.

I started sweating then and didn't stop until Fiji on the way home around six months later (Greatcoats)?

No coats at all better? Nothing at all better still!

A short introduction lecture, " Don’t believe the stories you’ve heard _ Roentgen levels perfectly safe - well below +MRDA etc etc, a few bed bugs maybe, take salt pills (they made you feel sick) and don’t get sunburnt.

‘Incapacity for work because of the preceding reasons is a chargeable offence" we were cheerfully reminded.

I was sent to the main transit airfield MT section.

Pretty boring stuff, gradually acclimatised, apart from bad bugs, crabs getting into my tent at night and dying behind my locker, (what's that smell?). Coral sores on "Grappled" feet plus the odd dose of the "Island screamers", I was OK. These last mentioned would bring burly soldiers heading at full speed for the toilets to a bug-eyed buttock clenching dead stop!

I missed the Grapple H bomb test by a month or two.

Some of my new mates had witnessed it and described the mass X-ray effect. Corporal Trev Riches (Instrument section) was I/C my tent and taught me how to sail the GP14 dinghies that were available to us when the officers weren't hogging them. I made new friends including John ("I'm getting to be a Member of Parliament") Brockhouse from Radio Soimd (Meteorology) and who could really sail. This sailing was later to provide a brilliant experience.

At work, however the only relief from boredom was the arrival of Boeing Strats, Douglas Seven Seas and Lockheed Super Connie's, which disgorged, onto the treadmill of nuclear human sampling which was Christmas Island, more fellow sufferers. We weren't interested in these "moonmen" as we called them (being by now after at least a month, well tanned Grapple Vets) but by the bevy of gorgeous airline girls that came with them. "Sorry chaps, officers only". We would hang from the Coconut palms to get a better look. The lone B52 that landed on one occasion drew almost as much, if a different kind of attention.

The Duke arrived in HMY Britannia along with almost three inches of rain in six hours. Quite the best shower we all had, outside the tent with bars of soap. Lathering up like lunatics in the rain.

His arrival was preceded by a massive increase in the number of sorties by "Captain Flit" at zero feet over the tent lines in his Auster light aircraft. We were crop sprayed on a regular basis. Was it just to keep mozzies down or was it another sampling exercise?

With what exactly, were we sprayed? Dioxins are very nasty things. They also got rid of the WW2 vehicle wrecks off the reef adjacent to the main camp, and they graded the beach. (I almost thought I was at Butlins those few days") I was detailed to form part of the RAF section of the Royal Guard of Honour, the Army and the Royal Navy making up other parts. Specially starched KD was flown in from Honolulu and kept in the fridge until the last minute. We stood in line as the Royal Barge, all mahogany and gleaming brass work. The Flag Lieutenant in immaculate tropical whites stood at the stem holding the Royal Standard. It had cruised across the blue clear water from Britannia to the quayside. The band played "Speed Bony Boat" in a slow % time. Sergeant Higgins, in charge of the RAF section and a good bloke, dutifully worked his way on his hands and knees along our line removing every

vestige of coral dust from our bulled-up boots. Not many people in the RAF (or any other service) have had that happen to them. The Royal Navy gun party who were positioned just to the right on the guard of honour loosed of a 21*gun salute from two saluting guns. Meanwhile the band was still playing “Speed Bony Boat”. The Royal Navy got it wrong, they could not count and they let a 22nd round off. Those of us that had been counting fell about laughing as a purple-faced CPO regulator ran them off at the double. His vocabulary suited his face, very colourful.

HRH duly disembarked onto the red carpet laid across the quayside looking mightily bored at the prospect of inspecting us, probably due to the fact we had all drilled separately and at different command speeds.

Our Royal Salute, “Present Arms” produced a sort of Mexican wave effect. The navy got in first, the army a close second, with the RAF as tail end Charlie's, all this recorded for posterity by a sadist with a camera.

The next morning Trev and I went sailing in the GP14 We left when it was still dark. We dragged it over several coral heads, me mainly that is, I am only the crew (Trevs the skipper) with little reef sharks and other unknown and unseen marine species brushing my ankles (slightly worrying). Skirting MOTO TABU (a bird sanctuary) we reached the main lagoon, which in places was up to thirty feet deep, although you could still see the bottom. Enormous and harmless Manta Rays sunned themselves near the surface. Day had dawned by this time and we went over the main reef at high tide onto the bottomless inky blue of the Pacific Ocean. Assisted by a rare breeze we sailed out to HMY Britannia, with her shinning reflection dancing on the surface of the sea, the blue and gold made a wonderful sight in the bright early morning sun. We sailed twice around her, during which time we were suddenly joined by a school of large dolphins that shot straight out of the water over the top of me, one after the other, they flew over my head. I couldn't have and wouldn't have wanted to move. As crew I was hanging out of the windward side of the dinghy, Trev couldn't let go of the helm to take a photograph, I could have touched them they were that close to me.

Eventually they tired of this and off they went and off we went back over the reef whilst there was still sufficient water, into the main lagoon and on to the sailing lagoon - an unforgettable day.

Trev, by the way, made himself a nice bit of money on the rock by importing watches, cameras, and other knickknacks and flogging them to anyone who would buy them. Our tent occasionally looked like a gift emporium, sometimes with a queue outside. He was saving up for a Prout Sheerwater Catamaran to pose with on Snettisham Beach Norfolk on his return to the UK. I hope he managed to buy one. A good mate thanks Trev.

A moratorium on nuclear tests was announced and the run down of personnel commenced. My turn for re-pat came up earlier than it normally would have, just short of the qualifying period for a week’s leave in

Honolulu. A real regret this. Consequently, I only spent six months, two days and an early breakfast on the rock. I wangled myself a seat on an RAF Hastings returning on the westabout route, this would take me via Australia. My parents had emigrated to Australia during my RAF service and this might just be the chance to see them.

After a long over-ocean flight with stops at out of the way fuelling stations in the middle of the sea, we arrived in Queensland. It was then I realised that Australia was so big my parents were 1500 miles away in Victoria - no chance to see them. So off to pre Cyclone Tracy Darwin, then on to Singapore and RAF Changi, engine trouble so 4 days in paradise. Off to Ceylon as it was then, Karachi and on to Aden.

The next stop was Khartoum mid-day with the temperature at 130°F, drink fresh orange juice in the shade of a tin hut and watch the AVGAS 115 octane aviation fuel being pumped into the Hastings.

We settled into our seats, the door closed on the African heat, and we started to roll forward to the end of the runway. Full power of the engines and rolled down the runway. Just as the wheels became unstuck BANG the port inner engine coughed and died. We gained a few hundred feet and jettisoned fuel. WO Atteo the flight engineer came back and peered through the port window at the remaining port engine. Every attempt to turn the aircraft produced the pre stall buffeting of amazing violence, we kept losing height until the wings were skimming over the ground. Just before the impact the port outer had been shut down and I was looking down the wing almost vertically. It was then that I thought I was about to die. Then came the CRASH! I flew upwards complete with seat, the roof of the aircraft passing my nose, landing on a pile of wreckage with two others on top of me also complete with seats, on the edge of a gaping hole. We untangled ourselves and someone undid my seat belt, AQMS Childs came over to see if we were OK and mobile. The aircraft had started to bum, we jumped down on to the sand and ran. I think the nose section had folded on impact and gone under the front of the fuselage, killing all five crew members in it. I had shock amnesia for some time. We were taken to a posh colonial hotel on the nile and entertained at the Sudan Club, very kindly by British Ex Pat families. Unable to sleep, with the next morning to pass, we were shown th Madhi’s Mosque and Gordon's’ Museum. This was before we attended the funeral for all the crew members who had been killed in the crash.

Fl.Lt Alan Eyre

Skipper

F.O Tony Millard co-pilot Fit Sgt Dobson

Radio Op

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W.O. Atteo

Flight Engineer

Sgt Jones

Nav

My late husband (Philip Rodman) was a F Sgt at the time, being repatriated early on promotion to Warrant Officer on the 15th June 1958, he had been posted to Christmas Island and Maralinga. I wonder if Ted knew him?

He spoke openly about his experiences at Christmas Island and Maralinga.

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I----T c__o

He stated quite categorically that all his protective clothing consisted of was a tan coloured boiler suit.

He did say he wore a dosimeter badge same as the ones worn in X-Ray departments in hospitals.

Handley Page Hastings 47 Sqdn Royal Air Force Transport Command

His death certificate states that he died from 1. Pneumonia

I wonder who looks after the graves today? Why didn't they bring them home?

Then off to the airfield to board another Hasty Bird (Hastings) on to RAF El Adem in Libya. On arrival at El Adem we were taken to a hanger where all the kit from the crash was laid out - or what remained of it.

Mine.was there, all the valuable bits were destroyed.

My case full of RAF kit survived, but someone had stuffed into it a small piece of the aircraft TG522 and a Royal Invitation to dinner on the Royal Yacht made out to FI Lt Alan Eyre, the skipper of our aircraft. I handed them into the powers that be in the hope that they would be handed on to his widow. I wonder if she received them?

2. Carcinoma of the Sigmoid Colon 3. Diabetes.

I think you should be aware that there was cancer in the family also diabetes which I knew about. It was confirmed when I appealed against the decision not to award my husband a War Pension.

Norma Rodman * 1

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We flew back to RAF Lyenham in a Comet 2b.

I gave evidence at the initial accident investigation.

WE were given accrued and compassionate leave, a rail warrant and scattered like chafe in the wind. I have never spoken to anyone who was on that flight since and shared that experience. It certainly made a mess of me.

The summer of 59 was beautiful. I kept my tan and I didn’t need a greatcoat. I couldn't enjoy it though.

After the required thirty years I tried to get an accident report. These are normally painstaking in detail. I received three photographs and no diagrams.

I was demobbed, still not thinking straight from RAF Marham New Years Eve 1959 I suppose I was just lucky 4164329 JT Sykes A F Dear Sir, I receive with great interest your newsletters and congratulate you on your persistence.

Look how long it took the Far East Prisoners of War to get their compensation.

I was interested to read a letter in the Summer 2003 newsletter from Ted Evans who worked in the MT section at RAF Maralinga.

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UNERALSERVIC

Spceml Discount of 100** Oil Funenil Directors Fees lor members ol the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association PHK-PAYMENT SCHEME AVAILABLE For Further Information Please Telephone

Useful Ex-Service Organisation Telephone Numbers:

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

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Ministry of Defence Veterans Advice Unit 08456 02 03 02 Royal Air Forces Association 0208 994 8504 Royal British Legion - Legion Line 0345 725725

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Royal British Legion Scotland 0131 557 2782

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Royal Naval Benevolent Trust 02392 690112

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St Dunstans 0207 723 5021 SSAFA Forces Help 0207 403 8783

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BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The Queen thanks you and your colleagues for your kind message of Christmas greetings which were received with much pleasure.

In return. Her Majesty and Prince Philip send you every good wish for the coining year.

Christmas 2003

Newsletter Name Competition We had 10 entires to the to find a new name for our newsletter The judges both from within the BNTVA and from art contacts outside in education found making a choice ver difficult. Each name had something to recommend it.

In the it was stale mate we were unable to make a choice that had the complete backing of the judges.

For the time being the name will remain the same.

Theanks for all the hard work

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24

25

19 26

27

28

19

31

29

30

31

26

5

6

7

8

11

12

13

14

15

9 10 16 17

18

19

20

21

22

23

25

26

27

28

29

30

October

November 7

s

3

T 1

F

2

8

3

August 3

T

1

7

6

2

July 2

13

1

9

B

S

6

8

S

F 5

7

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

1

T 4

8

25

AGM

W 3

VV

T

1

2

3

4

7

8

9

10

11

14

15

16

17

18

20

21

22

23

24

25

27

28

29

30

December

1

2

3

4

5

6

8

9

10

11

12

13 20

14

15

16

17

18

19

21

22

23

24

25

26 27

28

29

30