summer 2003

British Nuclear Test Veterans Association All we seek is justice

Newsletter Summer 2003

In this issue Chairman’s Report NRPB Report Treasurer’s Report Message from the Dean Chichester in February The Lancet extract Progress at the Solicitors President’s address MBE? Branch News

Chairman’s Report Letter to Dr Moonie

Minister for Veterans Dear Dr Moonie Mortality and Cancer 1952-1998 in UK Participants in the UK Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Tests and Experimental Programmes. NRPB Report - W27 This report is a very lengthy, extremely detailed and painstakingly prepared document, with the statistics appearing to having been applied correctly. However, the data that are given priority is the prerogative of the authors, and is therefore found to biased in favour of proving a set of predetermined conclusions.

The control group having supposedly been selected to match the test group in every respect except exposure to radioactivity, both groups would start from a base line of being disease free, because the forces health checks at the start of their military careers remove ant unfit individuals.

It is therefore accepted that the two groups are very similar from the point of view of this study. Although there is no discussion (page 3 of the report), of any radiation exposure of the controls from Atomic Weapons Establishments which one would have most assuredly expect.

Furthermore there is considerably disquiet expressed from varying sources, as to the numbers of test participants. Table 2.5 is ambiguous in the extreme.

In order to allay this uneasiness, I call upon you to advise the full number of men participating at each test or at least each test site. The name of all ships engaged, together with the size of their crews, and the number of Army and Royal Air Force personnel. Similarly we would require the name of all ships included in the control group, the size of their crews, the number of Army and RAF personnel included and their location at the time of the tests.

Although comparison with the general population is worth mentioning, as it on the whole demonstrates the fitness of military personnel compared with the general population, it should not have been given the priority which it has in this study. Many of the general population are starting from a baseline of illness which confounds any comparison. Age. sex ratios and many other parameters also confound comparisons.

Comparisons with the control group should have been

Widow’s View I saw Christmas Island but missed the Test Maralinga Memories?

Christmas Island Band Do you remember?

National Arboretum Milton Keynes meeting AGM Report Dates to Remember

important comparisons, and this should have been made clear in the Abstract and Executive Summary. Especially in the sentence beginning line 19 of the Abstract, where the first mention of Leukemia mortality compares test participants with National rates, when the important comparison should have been the test group against the control group.

The most valid analysis of the results would have been to statistically remove all confounding factors from the analysis, which would have given a much clearer comparison between the groups being studied.

An example of this would be smoking, which is known to cause many of the cancers studied. The control appears to have a higher incidence of smoking related cancers (page34 section 6.4). The most likely reason for such a difference between the groups would be that there were a higher percentage of smokers in the control. No attempt appears to have been made to disprove this conclusion, and we must therefore conclude that it is substantially correct. Since smoking is a major cause of cancers, this would mean there were more cancers due to non-radiation effects in the control than in the exposed group, which to disguise the production of some radiation induced cancers.

The risk of test participants contracting leukemia (other than CLL that is thought not to be caused by radioactivity) compared with the controls is understated throughout the study. This demonstrated in the last paragraph lines 10 - end of the Abstract where the raised risk among test participants is stated as a possible “chance finding”.However. Table 6.10 shows that for a period of 2 - 25 years after the start of radiation exposure(the period when radiation induced leukemia is most likely to occur) the mortality rate amongst tests participants is significantly greater than that amongst the control, (p=0.0014) and the Table 6.11 the incidence rate of leukemia excluding CLL in the same period was even greater amongst the test participants compared with the control group with very significant result.

In Table 6.13 it appears that the observation “ that radiation induced leukemia only occur up to 25 years after exposure” appears to have been forgotten. This in itself muddies the waters.

Many of the Tables attempt to break down the results and to analyse the effects of radiation received. However as there is little reliable information available about the dose levels received, there appears to be few reliable conclusions that can be readily drawn from these tables.

Previous reports show a higher risk of multiple mylomas amongst test participants compared with the controls.

Although the latency period for multiple mylomas is questionable, these results are also dismissed in a similar way to those for leukemia. The evidence of a raised risk of liver cancer amongst test participants compared with controls is again put down to a chance finding.

The statistical test show that the result demonstrated by different significant p-values, cannot be “CHANCE” findings.

Another problem with the report, is that no consideration has been given to the deterministic effects of radiation. Even though some of the doses received(Table 2.7,>100mSv) are without upper bound. Further there is no indication over what period the dose was received. Presumably it was intended that, if this effect was not considered in the report, the reader would assume it did not occur.

This report is an interesting academic exercise that adds further analysed data to that already available on the biological effects of radiation, as it appears to contain all the data required to come to a conclusion about the increased incidence of.and mortality due to. different types of cancer amongst participants in the UK atmospheric nuclear weapon testing and experimental programmes. However, very significant results are often dismissed as “chance findings”, because they do not consistently appear over the entire follow up period,, or fit in with the author’s pre-conceived objectives.

Therefore, it is largely irrelevant to the participants in the nuclear tests.

All Authorities in radiation protection agree with the NRPB statement that “ there is no basis for the assumption that there is likely to be a dose threshold below which the risk of tumour induction will be zero”. The Authors, of the NRPB report, are fond of quoting UNSCEAR 2000 and I shall also quote this report, namely “ It may therefore be concluded that, as far as is known, even at low doses, radiation may act as mutational initiator of tumorigenesis and that anti-tumorigenic defences are unlikely to show low-dose dependency”.

In the light of evidence now gleaned from the NRPB report, the time has come for the criteria, on which the award of pensions is based, to be reviewed. It is insufficient for all applications for pensions to be refused, on the premise of false conclusions drawn from NRPB reports, and then sent forward for review by a tribunal. Even when the tribunal award a pension, we are told that the award does not fit the pension agency’s criteria and all similar claims in the future will be automatically refused.

This is not justice. This is victimisation. The tribunal findings should create a precept on which all future awards should be based.

You are the Minister for Veterans, and we assumed, upon your appointment to the post, that you would champion our cause in Parliament. Now is the time to honour this pledge and obtain justice, for this country’s nuclear tests veterans.

John Lowe National Chairman BNTVA

NRPB Report Since the last newsletter members of our executive committee have met with the NRPB to receive the new report before it was put in the public domain.

The full report is available on the NRBP web site or for those of you who do not have access to a computer we can send you a copy for the cost of materials and postage.

Some of the observations made by our Chairman, in a letter to the MOD and NRPB are reprinted here.

The presentation itself, and on first reading the report, one has the impression that a comprehensive investigation has been undertaken. BUT on reading the report the second time, alarm bells start to ring. Is the report as comprehensive as the NRPB attempt to make out. or has it been worded in such a way to deceive?

Since every major organisation connected with radiation protection accepts this statement, it can be said that if the test participants received a radiation dose from their part in the tests they will have an increased chance of cancer.

All through the report words like NOT THOUGHT to be radiation induced, IS LIKELY TO BE A CHANCE FINDING. THERE IS SOME EVIDENCE. IT IS UNCLEAR, and so on.

When a man has cancer and is cured, his name is removed from the records, if in the future his cancer reappears, his name is not put back on the records, giving a false reading for the group.

Table 2.6 indicates that the participants received a radiation dose as part of their work; therefore it is certain that they have a higher chance of cancer than they would have without this exposure. The dose record are incomplete and are likely to grossly underestimate the dose relieved, completely ignoring the ingestion of radioactivity for example.

Considering that this is a scientific report nothing should be left to chance or no conclusion arrived at. It appears that when the veterans come out with a worse result than the control group, this is when we have chance findings but when the control group has the worst finding then it is taken to prove the point.

It would seem certain therefore that radiation induced cancers have occurred in the participants as a result of their exposure and as it is impossible to differentiate between radiation induced cancers and other cancers. Since it is impossible to identify radiation induced cancers, any cancer that has been shown to be induced by radiation could have occurred as a result of exposure.

The NRPB reports only take account of the recorded incidence of death from cancer in test participants[ants. It takes no account of any other illness, from which a Veteran may suffer, and which he considers is attributable to his participation at the tests.

The NRPB have been to date been unable or unwilling to answer these observations on the report.

Chairman & Ed 0O0O0O0O0O0O0O0

Can anyone remember We have had a request from a member, can anyone remember how the members of the operations purchased the special ties etc which were available? He tells us that he has one of the Grapple ties but would like to purchase some other items.

Treasurer’s Report Summer 2003 far, 1 After, what I consider to be our most fuccessf“'.^s rlport.

1 hope you will appreciate I am a little late wi ^fl(. j went . ff ce was worried about the AGM - first m> iep° • back over the obstacles, we had over come since in 2000. 1 asked for questions and none were forthcoming as to my report was accepted. The next one a major ".on\ how the Entertainment we had laid on would be receive .

Again I needn’t have worried, with members still there at 23.00 hrs. and then again at midnight asking for more on. had been successful. Those members who stayed knew we_______ . . will remember they gave me authority to start negotiations for next year. I am certain I will not be able to get them as cheap - but, I will negotiate to ensure we do not pay through the nose.

The entertainment incidentally cast £140.00 some £40.00 foi the comedian and £100.00 for the Adam James Experience.

The AGM itself yielded some £494.00 in raffle monies from a cost base of about £70.00. Also a donation form Mrs Cummins of £50.00.Sales and membership fees £437.40 of which membership fees of just £30.00. So overall, with the requisite adjustments our Net income was £737.00. I reckon we could afford the entertainment. In fact the AGM Income has possibly covered all the AGM expenses.

At the meeting prior to the AGM between the Executive Committee and the Branch representatives. It was decided to reimburse the Branch’s with some 10% of the membership fees for their Branch. Representatives should send in a claim i me for the year 2002. They will be vetted and as soon as racticable the cheque will be in the post to you. You must ait until the minutes of the meeting are circulated otherwise without that authority it will be just hearsay. The minutes can be found at the end of this newsletter.

The incoming fees appear to be just about dried up at this time. We have some 72% of membership fees in at present. I must assume that the rest will trickle in over the rest of the year, we had some £1,926.30 in the current account and £25745.37 in the Business Reserve Account at 30th April 2003. Giving Liquid Assets of £2,7671.67 with all known bills accounted for. Quite a healthy position.

I am sure that by now most of you have heard that our past secretary Mrs Shiela Gray has had a stroke. She is paralysed down one side. It seems fate that after all the years of loyal service; this should happen, when she had retired from office.

It was her intention to take things easy, with maybe a few extended breaks away. It’s certainly a blow, I feel sure you will all wish her a full and speedy recovery. She certainly should get more out of life than the deal that has been dealt her.

New Standard Dedicated The beautiful and historic Chichester Cathedral was the setting for the dedication of the new National Standard on Wednesday 19th February. The Cathedral has stood on its present site since late in the 11th century, and it provided a moving and colourful backdrop for the service.

The Precentor of the Cathedral, Canon John Ford, welcomed a large number of members of the BNTVA and their families.

The service was shared with the new Dean of Portsmouth, the Very Revd David Brindley, who has already taken a great interest in our work, and our own Chaplain, Nicholas Frayling, who is now Dean of Chichester after 15 years at his name sake church of'St Nick's' in Liverpool. He gave a hard-hitting address on the work of the Association, and the lack of recognition experienced by veterans and widows. He ended on a note of hope, with the confident prediction that, in the end, justice would prevail.

After the service, all were generously entertained by the Mayor of Chichester, Cllr David Siggs. in the ancient Council House, a short walk from the Cathedral. The Mayor said it was a particular privilege to host the reception, as he had very nearly served at Maralinga, his posting being changed at the last minute. He spoke movingly about the debt which we all owe to those who served, especially those who have since suffered greatly, and their families.

The day concluded with a short Act of Prayer at the memorial garden at Portsmouth Cathedral, where the wreaths were deposited. All in all, as one member who had travelled more than 100 miles to be present, said. 'It was a day I'll never forget.'

Best wishes Nicholasd

Chichester in February It was a chill but bright February morning as we gathered in Chichester Cathedral for the dedication of our new National Standard.

In the historic building the feeling of spiritual well being seemed to surround us as we took our seats in the Choir or nave. Members had travelled from far and near to attend this unique occasion.

The service itself has been reported by our Chaplain. How do you report about feelings? It was as if a large family had gathered with some coming into the family for the first time.

Everyone spoke to the next as if they had known each other for many years.

Can anyone help We have a member on our list shown as L099 Lord The Greenway Ickenham Middlesex, the newsletter has been returned as address insufficient, we have searched the records but have been unable to trace this member can you help?

K Roberts National Treasurer

Chaplain’s Report At present I am in the middle of preparing for the Chichester Festivities, an ambitious arts festival centred on the Cathedral. Who'd be a dean?!

The inevitable question came up “Where were you” or Which task force were you on”, it did not matter where you were, all belonged to the family One thing to mention about the service, was the Organ and the music played and sung before, during, and after the service. Music always sets the scene, the organ was being played softly in the moments approaching noon, then at the due time the music swelled to fill the whole building, it sent a tingle down one’s back. The clergy entered followed by the New Standard carried by Derek Heaps supported by our National Chairman John Lowe, who in turn were supported

by Standards from some of our Branches and members carrying wreaths to be used later in the day at Portsmouth.

Carrying on with music the whole Cathedral was filled by the haunting sound of a bagpiper playing a lament during the Act of Remembrance. After the traditional words of remembrance and dedication,the buglers from the Royal Navy played The Last Post and Reveille.

The Lancet Vol 361 May 24 2003

As we began to leave the Cathedral our Chaplain, the Dean of Portsmouth and the Precentor of the Cathedral all made sure they spoke to all the members and family members who had been at the service. One surprise was the number of the public who had taken seats in the nave to take part in our dedication service.

I only reprint the final two paragraphs here.

Making our way out into the bright winter sunshine, “which way” was the call, up to the cross and turn left came the reply from nowhere in particular Jt was not far to the Council Mouse where the reception had been arranged by the Mayor Cllr David Siggs. The usual speeches were made but the one by the mayor left us feeling that at last someone had listened and was going to make sure others in the political world became aware of our fight.

It was time for the family to break up and make it’s way home. Some of the members travelled to Portsmouth for the short act of prayer in the memorial garden.

A commentary on the latest NRPB study was published in the Lancet on May 24. I have the full article if anyone wishes to read it.

“There were indeed differences in the two test locations.

In the Pacific, detonations were at high altitude and included hydrogen bombs, while in Australia tests were mostly near-ground detonations of fission weapons. In the Pacific radiation doses were likely to be from external exposure and therefore, recorded on film badges whereas, in Australia there was a higher risk of internal irradiation from radioactive fallout, which would not be recorded by film badges. Subdivided in this way, the small numbers of cases limits the significance that can be attached to the results, but the consistent pattern of low early mortality from leukemia in the controls and Australian veterans and the higher mortality in the Pacific participants would not be easily explained as due solely to chance.

It is, therefore, a pity that after all the effort that has been expended, this latest analysis does not appear to pro­ vide a final resolution to the very real and legitimate con­ cerns of test veterans.”

Keith Baverstock Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Sciences University of Kuopio, Kuopio. Finland, email: 106305.2424@compuserve.com This is a contribution from member of the science community outside of possible influence by any veteran pressure. Ed. Reprinted by kind permission of the lancet and the author.

Legal Update The New National Standard

Showing the New Standard to the Mayor and Mayoress of Chichester

Dear John Christmas Island I thought I would bring you to update you on events that have happened since I last wrote to you I outlined to you the problems we have been encountering with the Legal Services Commission and set out the constructive ways in which we are trying to deal with them. You will recall from my last letter whole legal term including Legal Counsel have been increasingly frustrated with the legal Service Commission’s obstructive approach to what we view as a highly meritorious piece of litigation, we have been attempting to establish with them a framework with­ in which we can progress the case.

Developments since my last letter.

We have sent Leading Counsel’s Opinion to the Legal Services Commission and requested their permission that we carry out at least that work set out by Counsel in his Opinion. We also asked for confirmation that we could submit applications for Legal Aid on the premise that this would be fair bearing in mind the Legal Services Commission’s expressed intention to seek a contribution from the non-legally aided clients.

We have received a response from the Legal Services Commission the response has been considered by the whole legal team (excluding Leading Counsel) we have all found its’ contents difficult to comprehend. Firstly because it provides little clarity with regard to the work we can and cannot do in the future. Secondly because it appears that

the Legal Services Commission is making a u-turn with regard to the matter of a contribution from the non-legally aided claimants. We are now running out of patience and wc are very conscious that it is equally frustrating for the veterans. The delay that is being caused is unacceptable.

With this in mind, we spent a great deal of time collating a formal response to the Legal Services Commission, aimed at resolving the matter once and for all so that we can proceed in a n agreed manner without further delay.

Our response involved a review of all past correspondence with the Legal Services Commission including letters, caseplans. emails and meetings. We collated all these past communications and summarised exactly the work they have authorised and when they authorised it; summarised exactly the work recommended by Leading Counsel and when and then set out the work we have done as a result of that authorisation. We have done this so that we can put the record straight as to what has been said at every step of the way in the past and we have invited the Legal Services Commission to agree it.

The second part of our response focused on the way we wish to proceed with the litigation. Clearly this is the most important aspect to resolve and one for which we have been desperate all along to gain the Legal Services Commission's backing. We have a very clear picture of how best to amass our evidence and how to go about trying to prove the case. The plan involves three distinct stages and I set them out as follows: Stage 1 This involves the obtaining of generic reports to test the argument that per se exposure to radia­ tion, in a manner that was suffered by the veter­ ans, can cause the conditions afflicting your mem­ bers, and that a mechanism exists for showing that on a balance of probability, those illnesses are attributable to exposure to the radiation.

We have suggested to the Legal Services Commission that for now we progress only to this stage. We have also suggested that it is inappropriate at this juncture for non-legally aided claimants to buy into the litigation. This was hinted at by the Legal Services Commission themselves in their last email which is why I mentioned earlier that they appear to have done a u-turn on the issue of contribution. This is obviously of utmost relevance to the individual veterans themselves and I will write to you again as soon as I have any confirmation that the Legal Services Commission agree or otherwise that the non-legally aided veterans should not contribute at this stage.

Stage 2 On receipt of the opinions gathered at Stage 1, we will go on to try to show that on balance of probability, the exposure to radiation has in fact caused the illnesses. We propose to do this by proving it in a number of illustrative cases. This matter of causation is critical and will doubtless be the most difficult aspect of the case to prove. It will involve much expert evidence on radiation and its resultant conditions.

Stage 3 This is where we can show that in the illustrative cases mentioned in Stage 2, our allegations that exposure to radiation during the atomic test has in fact caused the conditions complained of.

We have suggested that it is only at this stage that the non-legally aided claimants ought to be asked for a contribution. We are now awaiting the response from the Legal Services Commission. We anticipate that it will take them a while to digest our very lengthy letter along with its many attachments. However, as soon as we hear from them, I will update you further.

Kind regards.

Yours sincerely D N HARRIS SENIOR PARTNER ALEXANDER HARRIS Very little Branch News this Edition. It is your newsletter please send in your Branch News, before the NEXT DEADLINE which is 30th October 2003 all items direct the editor please. Ed Branch News Remember this year will be the 51st Anniversary of the first Atomic Test. 3rd October is Nuclear Test Veterans Day. Over the past months 1 have been trying to obtain a Lottery Grant for the branch; unfortunately it was again turned down. I then approached the Lord Mayor of Leeds who said he would be willing to help, but at the end of his year he had spent all the allowance. The I struck gold, Leeds City Council has given us a grant of £1000 to help buy a new branch standard. The Royal Armouries have agreed to supply a band and refreshments on the day of the Dedication of the Standard, there will be a meeting later to confirm details. Support has been promised by The Leeds Rifles, the Kings own Yorkshire Light Infantry, the Royal British Legion, and the Sea Cadets. Other public figures attending will be the High Commissioner for Fiji.

Of course we can look forward to coverage by TV, Radio and the press.

Wally Holdsworth West Yorkshire Branch Representative.

Presidents message I was very pleased the way the AGM at Blackpool went both from the organisation and attendance points of view.

The evening entertainment was the ’best ever according to the reports I am getting. As usual we held our parade and Sunday Service at the Salvation Army Citadel.

A few days after the AGM we heard the sad news that Sheila Gary had been admitted to hospital after having had a stroke.

Iam sure you will join with me to send our good wishes to Sheila and all our members who are suffering in any way.

Dates for your diaries.

October 3rd National Nuclear Veterans Day. Please visit your nearest Memorial Stone if possible.

West Yorkshire Branch Dedication of new standard contact Wally Holdsworth for details.

Remembrance Day Parade Sunday 9th November 2003 to the Cenotaph Whitehall. A request for tickets has been made, please contact Ken Taylor for more information and tickets. Please send a SAE for their return.

2004 A memorial stone (given by Co-op Funeral Services) is to be dedicated for London and the Home counties possibly in May 2004 please contact Ken Taylor for details.

My good wishes to you and your families.

Peter Fletcher MBE

Widows Representative Marilyn Hall and myself attended a meeting of the NHS Commission about organ retention which by the way set up in April 2002, because of the outcry of relatives not being told which organs or tissues had been removed without permission and what had happened to them if they were not needed.

Marilyn questioned the panel why only the brain had been taken from her husband John. She also complained about the curt letter received from the local NHS Trust Executive, which was not very sympathetic. However lis­ tening to other people arguing and putting questions I realised this meeting was not going to help our own BNTVA cause - so in the coffee break I spoke to the Professor about our efforts to win over the MOD and it’s medical staff. She listened and understood our case; she said we ought to find another avenue to use, she would follow it up for us and will let me know in due course.

(WATCH THIS SPACE) I thought you all should be brought up to date of happenings since the AGM. Three widows have been in touch with Derek Redfern, I do hope we can help them.

Advice to widows, and relatives Please ask for a Post Mortem if it's at all possible, the choice is up to you!

It will help if a proper decision regarding the cause of death is made. This evidence will be needed in applying for a pension or benefit.

I am always willing to talk to anyone who like a chat, please ring me on 01162 364737 Mavis Gardner Widows Representative.

I saw Christmas Island but missed the test My story begins when I was posted to 12 Field Squadron Royal Engineers. After training at Chatham I found out that some of us were to be posted to Christmas Island, it nearly took the rest of the year before we travelled to Birkenhead to join the MV Cheshire a veteran of the D Day landings. It was the biggest ship most of us had ever seen.

The usual round of troop ship duties and activities made the days Seem not so long. We crossed the Atlantic to Kingston Jamaica, to take on fuel and water. We had a few hours ashore, what an eye opener for most of the lads.

Holidays abroad were yet to come for most people. Then on to the Panama Canal where we joined the queue waiting to go through from an easterly direction, the canal is one way.

Hawaii was the next stop my lasting memory was how expensive every thing was. The locals took pity on us with many acts of kindness.

On to Christmas Island my first sight was from the deck of the Cheshire early one morning, just a limp on the horizon.

By lunchtime we had been ferried ashore, complete with our issue sun glasses which brought some very ripe remarks from the older members of our party. This turned to horror stories as the first days passed.

What a delight TENTS in neat rows on the sand, the camp bed legs made many attempts to drill for gold. So our skills as carpenters were soon called on. The second job was to build a door stop about 6” to 8” high to keep out the land crabs, not a pleasant thing to encounter a land crab face to face in the middle of the night.

Washing was something you had to be there to understand.

Our water supply was the sea, our soap - sea soap, which made your hair feel like straw and the rest o f the body sticky. After a while showers were put into commission, the only drawback was the fresh water supply which ran out if you were not quick off the mark leaving work.

Our unit job was to make and lay tarmac for the run way and the roads. With all that sun who wanted to be in charge of a boiler heating bitumen so that tarmac could be made. In some cases we had to work nights getting the bitumen ready for the tarmac plant in the morning, as we could only lay the tarmac early in the morning before the sun got too hot.

Then came the news that a small detachment was to be sent to Malden Island an even smaller spot in the middle of the ocean. Malden was famous for guano in te late 1800* s and the early 1900's bird droppings to us.

We had come to lay some bases for the buildings the scien­ tists were going to use during the tests. After six weeks our time was up and we were to return to Christmas Island.

This was to be my first taste of flying. We boarded a DC3 Dakota which looked like a model aircraft made out of balsa wood and silk, it was quite a worry for those of us who were not familiar with aircraft.

Then came the news we were to return to the UK before the tests were carried out. Some of us asked if we could stay on but even then we were told that we may not see the tests. (A good thing as it has turned out).

Home to the UK, courtesy of the Royal Air Force in a HP Hastings, which did not fly at night.

I still have my operation Grapple tie and badge and my memories of that lump in the ocean.

E N Pickles Ex Royal Engineers Christmas Island.

Round the world in 5 months. Thanks to the Royal Air Force.

The only after effect is now I glow in the dark.

In the RAF you never volunteer for anything. When some one said would you like to go to Australia? I am 20 years old and want, to see the world, the only answer was “yes please".

RAF Westonzoyland was the camp where we were to get our tropical kit and have our jabs and medical checks. I was picked to fly to Australia via civilian airways BOAC to New York a one hour stop over was not enough time to see the big city. We were on a charter flight and the captain got the OK to do a circuit and show us the statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, on the way across the states he made a detour to show us the Grand Canyon.

San Francisco was a dream come true we had a 7 day stop over due to a faulty aircraft. Money was very short for UK serviceman compared to our American cousins. The hotel we stayed in was the Clift Hotel (I think) my room was on the 31st floor which gave me a free superb view of the city.

After 7 days we moved on, our route to Sydney was via Honolulu, Canton, Fiji.

I met my brother at Sydney airport we had not seen each other for over 5 years. It was a good reunion a photograph was taken to send home.

Then it was a TAA flight to Adelaide the capital of South Australia. No time to see anything, straight on board a DC3 Dakota (today you will pay a lot of money to fly in this type of aircraft) to Maralinga.

We were all there to take part in the Nuclear Testing Programme, it took the form of four Atomic Bombs. My job was aircraft refuelling, I was in charge of the tanker pool.

Any spare time was spent driving to the railhead at Watson to collect water that had been brought in by rail. It was a round trip of 60 miles.

On the road to Watson there is a blow hole. A blow hole is a subterranean passage below the desert. If you sat by the hole you could hear the sound of the sea. Odd as we were about 250 miles from the nearest coast line. The air pressure coming out of the hole was enough to make a handkerchief stand out straight. It was good to sit with your feet over the edge of the hole to feel the cool air.

Our working day was governed by the requirement of the test programme. Some mornings we would fuel up the aircraft at about 4 am, then wait around for the next order.

If the weather was not perfect the test would be cancelled for that day. So at Sam we would de-fuel the aircraft. This went on for 15 days.

The day came when every thing was perfect, Big Bang number one was away. We had to keep all aircraft full so that they could track the cloud. This kept us very busy for quite a few days; the most important part of my job was to refuel the Canberra bombers that flew through the Atomic cloud.

My protective clothing was a pair of white overalls. I had to take all my clothes off and I do mean all to put on these overalls. I recall that my tanker was low on fuel, so I wanted to go to the fuel dump to fill up, no way could I take the tanker out of the compound it was considered too HOT in the radiation sense.

So I arranged for another tanker to come alongside mine and transfer the fuel, the only thing that came between us was a wire mesh fence. What protection did that give?

When the flights were over the fire section came and hosed down the aircraft and my tanker with their high pressurehoses. The engines were taken out of the aircraft and left in the open in the desert as they were HOT. 1 wonder if anv of the Engine fitters are still alive?

My personal de-contamination was into the shower room tack off the white overalls and have a long shower. I had long hair then it was very difficult to get clean. We did not wear hats or any other protection. There was a machine to put your hands into; the machine scrubbed your hands and nails for you. We did not wear gloves.

1 think that I was exposed to far too much radiation. I went to the MOD in 1983 and asked for my radiation record but no records were found. I also requested a medical check up but they did not want to know.

1 went to my own GP and explained my worries he did a blood test but found nothing wrong.

After the 4th bomb we began to close down the unit. We were flown down to Adelaide where we joined the SS Orontes for the journey home to the UK to be home for Christmas.

Ted Evans Ex RAF MT section Maralinga Reactions to the BBC Radio 4 Programme ‘‘Fallout at Maralinga*’ How many of you ex Maralinga members listened to the Radio 4 programme about Maralinga, broadcast in April?

Ted Evans writes to tell us that he was at Maralinga for Operation Buffalo. The Maralinga talked about in the programme was not the same as the Maralinga he remembered from his time there.

1. I did not find the swimming pool. All water that we used was carried by truck from Watson the railhead in a tanker 500 gallons at a time, (this job was used as a punishment) it was very hot and sticky.

2. What Cinema?

3. The food in the cook-house was not as described in the

programme.

4. Protective clothing!! 1 refuelled the ‘Canberra* that flew through the cloud; I had a pair of white overalls. The little badge that we wore to measure the radiation that you had been exposed to was not to be used in this area 5. We were allocated tents, which we could not use until

the civilians had moved out. They were situated on the roadside opposite the petrol depot.

6. I do agree to the no women. Some TAA flights did come

in but the cabin staff were taken to the officers mess for meals in the ambulance which had darkened windows.

7. As I recall the main entertainment were the Australians

card schools and their illegal game of Crown and Anchor.

I could go on but I am sure all of us at Maralinga in 1956 would have liked the Maralinga mentioned in the programme.

Ted Evans Cpl MT Section Maralinga.

I was at Maralinga in 1959 - 60 RAF MT section, yes the description given in the programme was correct in parts.

We lived in prefab aluminium huts. rl he meals mentioned must have been from the officers mess they were not seen in the other ranks mess. Beer was 6d per glass, the cinema had a programme change every second night, some feature films but mostly cartoons which had the dialogue suppleme nted by the audience!!! The swimming pool was a large storage tanik converted to look like a pool. It was not used very much as soon as you went near the water you became covered with black flies. On the matter of protective cloth­ ing nothing special was issued. We used to work in boots shorts (sometimes) and a hat. A dosimeter badge was issued to the fire sections Flight Sergeant who was also in charge of the MT section. This was supposed to show the sections exposure to radiation as he went to every place the section staff went. He did not stay with us all day. not a very accurate way of measuring exposure.

Editor Maralinga MT section

• —..v ;:

___________

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How does an Other Rank come to be awarded the MBE? The story starts in Sheffield during September 1939. I was a member of Number 1 troop Boy Scouts.

August 1940 saw my first introduction to Bombs!

Incendiaries HE and of course unexploded. School had been stopped during this period. We returned to school during January 1941. The whole of the school had been sand­ bagged. As most of the form were 14, we were told to leave and find some king of employment.

Our troop ran a sort of message service. After a time only 3 or 4 members were left, all the rest had been called up. So in 1943 I joined the Y & L ACF so began my long association with the Army. In 1944 I joined the Home Guard (Dad’s Army) I was promoted at the age of 17 to the rank of Corporal in charge of men three times my age.

I signed on for the Army after hearing that my favourite Assistant Scout Master had been killed in action at the D Day landings. All the formalities were completed in August, I was sent home to await instructions. October came together with my first posting, I was instructed to report to Mary Hill Barracks Glasgow for 6 weeks infantry training. Instead of being posted to an infantry regt., I was sent for Sapper training, it was then off to sunny Sevenoaks in Kent, then on to Ashford for mine clearance duties and UXB, my second encounter with Bombs.

My first overseas posting came in 1950, of to Gibraltar by sea on the Empress of Australia. It was my first time out­ side the UK. Whilst on Gib I met and married my wife and also learned to speak Spanish. At the end of the tour 1 had my first experience of fixing.

I had many overseas postings which resulted to my

. During progressive promotion to the rank of Staff Sergeant my posting to Nigeria I contracted malaria. A Part 0 duties I had the honour to be part of the route lining pait>. for the Coronation Visit of the Queen and the Duke o Edinburgh. recalled to Whilst on embarkation leave from my unit 1 was barracks and asked to accompany part of the Regt. to Christmas Island which we were told was a short few months posting, so we all agreed. The bulk of the Regt. went via the Atlantic route. About 20 bods were detailed to travel the other route going in the easterly direction. As was usual in those days of piston aircraft we had many refuelling and overnight stops. Brindisi, Ankara. Nasra, Karachi, Colombo, Singapore, djakarta. Port Darwin, Brisbane, fiji, and the Canton Islands. During this flight we had to cross many time zones and the International date line which meant that we left Fiji on the morning of the 16 August and arrived at Christmas Island on the evening of the 15 August. I nearly didn’t make the whole journey as I had and episode of malaria during the flight across Australia and was nearly left at Brisbane for treatment.

The talk of Christmas Island brings all the memories flooding back. The rows of tents, the land crabs, the RAIN. After one very heavy storm our Pay Sgt ran out and slackened off all the guy ropes, forgetting all about the sun!

The next day he peeled from head to toe. it was rumoured that he had never been south of Dover before. I also remem­ ber the camp hospital which was very high tech (ha ha) in a tent, malaria again.

So on to the test itself. On the morning of the test, we all left the camp area and were told to sit down with our backs to the fall out area, wearing sun glassed eyes closed and covered with our hands. The explosion came, the flash in our eyes despite the protection then heat to our backs. After a few minutes we were told to stand and turn around and face the mushroom cloud which was going up into the blue sky.

The releaving Regt. was to travel out to Christmas Island by a ship called the Dunera. As there was surplus accommodation on board the families of 25 Regt. were asked if. for a small payment, they would like to travel out with the ship to Christmas Island. My wife took the opportunity to join the ship. The trip was to take 27a months. Meanwhile on the Island it was Christmas and we had a very large cake made in the shape of Sophia Loren, the cake was cut bv the Padre, you can imagine the comments when certain parts of the cake was cut.

During January as we waited for the arrival of the Dunera I had my first flight in a Helicopter or Chopper as the RAF bods called them.

When the Dunera arrived the families were brought ashore to be greeted by the local people. They were given a trip around certain parts of the island and were given a calendar the position of the island given as 2" North by 157°30m west.

We sailed for Honolulu where we stayed for several days, then on to the Panama Canal. After passing through the canal we stopped at Willhelmstad in Curacao, this island is part of the Netherlands Antillies hence the name, then home to Southampton. This turned our to be my last posting abroad.

I was posted to the War Office to complete my time in the Army.

After my discharge I came out to Spain to live, 1 taug it English for a few years. In 196S 1 was invited to join the British Consular Service in Malaga and from 1972 to m\ retirement in 1992 I was one of the Vice Consuls in this area. I was awarded the MBE just before my depaituie.

B Cot tarn MBE ex Troop Leader Scouts ex Pte ACF Y & L ex Cpl Dad’s Army ex Sapper to Staff Sgt RE and finally ex British Vice-Consul

Do you remember?

Christmas Island in the rain!

I was on Christmas Island for the Grapple test of the 28th April 1958. The test itself was quite horrific and as described by others. One thing that has not been mentioned is the rain cloud that formed from the explosion, the rain fell on the Port of London, this has caused a lot of problems for those who were exposed to this rain. Consider this, that during the 50’s the RAF was experimenting with rain making by seeding the atmosphere with salt, dry ice or silver iodide. It also considered that the making of rain to having a potential “to explode an atomic weapon in a seeded storm system or cloud would produce a far wider area of radio active contamination than in a normal atomic explosion”. Makes you think, any comments to: John Pickering (RAF MT Section tent HI9) email jooliver@yahoo.co.uk

Letters to the editor

Some instruments were ‘acquired” from a Royal Navy ship to augment the existing ones. The music just seemed to appear. Under the direction of the RM band sergeant we put on a reasonable performance.

I remember the Duke’s arrival parade mainly for the fact that we all got soaked to the skin by one of those quick down pours just before he arrived oil the parade ground.

The other engagement the band carried out was when the Duke was presented to the Headsman of the Gilbert and Ellis Islanders. The band was surrounded by all the women from the village.

A RAF policeman played trumpet in all three bands. An Army corporal the side drum. Another who sticks out in my memory is the Naval rating who played cornet as well as in the band he played the Last Post at the sea burial of a lad who died from Pneumonia. A Fiji Royal Engineer named Vakarwa played Eb Bass, he carried it without a strap and swung his left arm whilst marching and playing. Brain Fenwick busked his way through everything just as he did in the Trad group. Our star was a Trombone player who had been accepted by Foden’s Motor Works Band when he finished his National Service. 1 played trombone in all the bands, except when we were short handed after the RM sergeant went home. Then I played whatever was needed and took rehearsals mainly because the lad who later played for Foden’s was better than me.

As you can read 1 enjoy blowing which I am still doing today with three bands. A brass band, a modern jazz big band and my own 40’s style dance band. If any of the Christmas Island players read this please get in touch with me.

Christmas Island Band

John Jones jj@swingband.fsnet.co.uk

I have received a number of calls and letters regarding the piece in the last newsletter about the band on Christmas Island.

Another view of the Duke’s visit to Christmas Island.

According to my correspondents only visiting bands were on the Island. The one which has been mentioned most is the Royal Marines Band from the Royal Yacht 'Britannia’.

Here are the details :-ED. John Jones writes When I saw the item “Calling all bandsman” in the newsletter I felt duty bound to send this reply.

Yes there was a band on the island for the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit, I took charge of it after the visit when the RM band Sergeant went back to Deal. During my time on Christmas Island from October 58 until November 59, I played in three bands.

The first was a dance band run by an Army sergeant, second came a Trad jazz group which sort of ran itself and finally the Voluntary band which I helped to set up prior to the Duke’s visit.

I have some photographs of the Trad group but none of the other two. If anyone has photographs of the these I would love to have some copies. The photos of the trad group are published on the BNTVA web site.

The Voluntary band was made up of all three services, just for the visit a Royal Marines Band Sergeant was flown out from The Royal Marines School of Music Deal to lick us into shape.

There was indeed a band, it played in the New NAFFI building in 1959 it was not an island band but the band of the Royal Yacht Brittania.

The rain bucketed down during the evening concert, the noise from the rain hitting the roof sheeting almost destroyed the performance. The programme included a hypnotist I can’t recall if he was a serviceman or not, he cer­ tainly caused a great laugh.

We had a raffle during the evening, the first prize was a guided tour of “Brittania” for two. I would have been delighted to have won, perhaps if the winner reads this he will write in and tell us all about it.

On a lighter note the Duke visited the main camp cook-house, whilst walking around with Orderly Officer and the Head Cook. He stopped and asked the age old question “Any complaints” or words to that effect. A lad seated at the far end of the table stood up and said that the potatoes were hard. The Duke picked up a fork speared a potato and proceeded to eat it with a grin. “Nothing wrong with that , came the comment from the Duke, who put down the fork and continued to the next table. You can imagine the look on the Cook Sergeant’s face during this little interlude.

J M Wroughton 24 Field Squadron 36 CER Royal Engineers

Memories of “Grapple” This collection of memories comes from Ron Death.

Christmas Island Operation Grapple, each of the test series was given a name. I was posted to Christmas Island to take part in the Grapple series.

I remember that when I first arrived the Army was in charge of the Island, after a while control passed to the Royal Air Force. With the change we began to be paid in A u s t ra 1 i a n c u rre n cy.

1

The living accommodation in the main camp was made up of tents for 5 men. I was in block ‘C’ behind the bedding and postal tent. Other building made up the camp, an odd situation for the Roman Catholic Church it was near to the toilet block and wash bins. The RC Church was built by lads on the island. Father Docherty was the Priest dur­ ing my time on the island Water was a something to experience, it was brought to the tent lines each evening by water bowser. The water itself was distilled from sea water which although drink­ able had that particular smell and taste. It was also very warm having come from the sea.

and the trees planted. Each tree has a plaque which gives the information about the donor.

After photographs were taken we proceeded to the restaurant for a buffet arranged by West Midland fellowship, many thanks to Archie and Muriel. We all went our separate ways after what was a memorable day.

Made better by the beautiful weather and warm sunshine, we could not have asked for better.

J hope the Association can find the funds for more trees on the site, so that a true memorial can be seen.

Chairman John Lowe 45 Sheldrake Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 5LJ Tel/Fax 0161 941 2164 Treasurer Ken Roberts

We were kept fit with the walk to the cook-house for each meal. The service was American style one big tray sectioned to keep the main course and the dessert separate. Behind the cook-house were the mess tents, these tents were fitted with insect nets to keep the • squadrons of flies out.

The NAFFI was outside and run by two WVS women.

As part of our self made entertainment there was a skiffle group called “The Islanders”.

I had hoped for a medal but all I got was Lung cancer having the top part of my lung removed,this was four years ago.

I think that the Government should compensate or pay a pension to all affected by service in test areas. As I said I think we should all be awarded a medal for service in Atomic Test areas.

Ron Death Address and telephone number with the editor

National Arboretum On Wednesday 26th March 2003 a group mainly from the West Midlands including Bob Smith and his wife, Peter and Gron Williams and our Chairman John Lowe attended a service of dedication at the National Arboretum at Alrewas. David Childs the Director met us and also took the service in the Church.

The Church is unique in that the main roof supports are 12 massive pine trunks each one carved with the symbol of an Apostle. The one for St Thomas will be familiar as the carver used the figure from the Inland Revenue Advertisement. All around the Church are articles carved from wood including one with replicas of the the carver's children.

From the service we walked through the site to where the trees are. Joanne Leach the daughter of a deceased veteran read the dedication for both trees, one purchased

by West Midlands Branch and mine. Although I bought my tree 1998 it has taken a while for the site to be laid out

The Garden of Remembrance outside St Margaret’s and Westminster Abbey 2002. If anyone would like a cross marked with name, rank, number & service placed in the Garden this year in memory of a loved one, please contact Ken Taylor London Branch Representative.

I

Memorial Stones from around the United Kingdom

East Midlands

i

BRITISH XI CLEAR TEST'S VETERANS ASSOCIATION Dedicated to the memory of test wtcrans vsho haw died since the British test at MONTE BHXU EMU HUM MARAUNUA, MALDEN ISLAM* CHRISTMAS ISLAND all wk seek is justice 12th June 1993

Special Discount of 10% Oft' Funeral Directors Fees for Members of the British Nuclear Tests Veterans Association. prl- payment scheme also available

For Further Intornuiion Please Telephone:

0161-881 2212 WVhw vou need us. srrV/bc there '

0 Memorial Stone mounted on the Cenotaph, Risca, South Wales

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The Co-op Funeral Service have helped the BNTVA by helping to provide the memorial stones

Following the dedication of the trees I was invited to attend the Saturday morning meeting at Blackpool as an observer.

I attended the meeting and afterwards 1 was asked to consider being the District representative for Scotland.

I am pleased to confirm that 1 will be taking over as Scottish District representative temporarily to start with to see how things work out.

To the Scottish members J would suggest that due to the large area involved, that a number of smaller districts could have their own meetings. Details of meetings could be sent to me and I collate and deal with the Executive Committee on behalf of the district. I would probably try to visit each branch at least once a year.

By the time you read this I hope to have the full Scottish nominal roll completed.

If any Scottish member would he ready to organise a branch in their area please contact me. Once the branch has been formed, I will forward the nominal roll together with the names and addresses of lapsed members in the hope that they can be brought back on hoard.

munications to the branch 4. Pat Hurley will distribute com representatives as required. standards belong to the National Association N<* 5. All individual looking after it or to a group. Standar s being kept in a members home should be covered y members house contents insurance (Please check wi vour insurer). The Association will cover the cost o loss or damage while away from the home. Memorial . ones are to insured.

6 A NRPB rep at attended the AGM to explain and answer questions about the latest NRPB report which seems to be based on the morbidity of cancers.

The meeting felt that it did not give a full picture of the true causes of death often from other causes than the cancel.

There was little faith expressed in the report.

Clarke Willmott the Bristol solicitors are hopeful of achiev­ ing some good results.

It was felt that it is not acceptable that the minutes of the AGM were not available so long after the event.

The next newsletter will be published in July.

Bob Smith

Pat Hurley was elected Chairman of the Branch and Jeanie Harman to take the minutes

REMINDER The year is half gone and we still have

Pat Hurley Milton Keynes Branch.

Note Last year the minutes of the AGM were not available until the Autumn edition of the newsletter. Ed

some members who have overlooked sending their membership fee for 2003.

If we do not receive the membership fee, you will be removed from the mailing list.

This means that you will not receive the newsletter or any notifications from the committee.

Nor will you be able to vote at the AGM.

Membership fee

£10

due January 1st each year.

Extract of the minutes of the AGM held in Blackpool April 2003 The Chairman welcomed all the members to the meeting. It was explained that because of complaints about the voting in past years each member was given a yellow card when they arrived the tellers would only count the yellow cards and nothing else.

Standards were paraded followed by short prayers.

National Anthem Apologies of absence Mr DR Foden South wold Suffolk Wally Holdsworth Leeds John Clover Stockport

Please send to the Treasurer Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1DG

Report of a meeting of the Milton Keynes Branch held on the 1st June 2003 Pat Hurley reported to the members about the AGM held in Blackpool. The main items were as follows.

1. Reps to think about changing venues to encourage more members to attend meetings.

2. Minutes of branch meeting to be kept and copies for­ warded to the executive committee.

3. £1 per annum to be paid to branches for each member from the Association membership fee.

Jeff Liddiatt Bristol Presentation by the NRPB of the latest report. They could not carry out their intended method as no video equipment was available, (no request had been made) Some questions had been submitted before the meeting Colim Muirhead gave an explanation of the purposes of the report .He was accompanied by Dr Jill Merill and Dr Jerry Some of the records show high doses by today's standard but not by the standards of the time. The monitoring at the time was far from accurate buy today’s standard Whv did the NRPB not approach Dundee University for details they have collected? There were several places in the report that show inconsistency between the sources of data, and the way it has been collated.

The full report is available on the NRPB website.

Against the motion

The Chairman thanked the NRPB for attending the AGM.

1 speak on behalf of the West Yorkshire Branch. Although the associate members are not allowed to vote at the AGM we allow them a vote at the West Yorkshire Branch. If is was not for these associate members, our wives etc. We would not be having the funds that we have or the help that we get running our branch. 1 don't agree with you to cut them out altogether when they are part and parcel of what the BNTVA is all about.members and their families.

I am against completely disassociating the associate members.

The Treasurer's report is printed on another page.

Chairman introduced Mr Harris, Mr Harris of Alexander Harris.& Colleague Mervyn Fudges of Clarke-Wilmott,Bristol represent many members taking legal action against MOD. They are solicitors that specialise in group litigation for organisations which wish to sue large organisations, such as drug companies or government departments. They are surprised that after 50 years, no proper compensation for people present at the test sites and exposed to radiation has been considered. A compensation claim was absolutely right and should have been looked at years ago. We set out to retrace steps, and we are aware that there has been historical problems with it. 1 note that proceedings have taken place in the European court in Strasbourg. We could not understand why that took place, it did not seem appropriate and indeed it was not the right course of action. As a civil litigator it seems to me that the right course of action would have been to bring an action against the Ministry of Defence in this country. In order to bring the case to court we need the support of the legal services commission, the old legal aid department. This is a creature of government itself and indeed we are asking the government to finance the action against themselves which is odd, but is the system.

I am the one that gets all these £2.50s. It takes me four times as long to sort out an associate member than a normal member. What the Chairman has put forward here as a motion to dispense completely with the associate membership, and introduce a family membership, that the veteran or his spouse, whoever is the member, can pass that vote on to the next of kin. if they cannot attend the meeting then the next of kin, whoever that is can come in and use all the members rights and votes in his name. So we are not losing anything - we are gaining in fact.

Chairman - John Lowe What rules you bring in for branch meetings, is entirely up to branch representatives and not the executive com­ mittee..

Now it is time to vote.

Mr Harris went on to explain in detail the action which is going to be taken (see letter printed on another page).

This association at the end of the year shall discontinue associate membership.

I consider that our job is to do the quickest and best job for you, as you have already been waiting for half a century.

Whilst I make no promises I assure you that we will do our best to get you the appropriate compensatory awards, just as soon as we possibly can.

Result of vote carried by a large majority

A short period of questions followed.

Derek Redfern gave a vote of thanks to Mr Harris.

Motions There were four but two have been settled in committee this morning.

1. That this association shall at the end of the financial year discontinue the category of associate membership.

Associate membership was introduced some years ago. raising much needed funds. They were never given any rights within the association except for the right to pay a fee of £2.50 a year. They have never had the right to vote and discussion over the years have failed to find a way of giving them such rights.

You will see that from the next motion that the introduction of a rule book that in the future when a member is unable to attend the AGM, their wives and children will be given the opportunity of utilising the member’s vote. This will go a long way to alleviate the problems expressed in the past by associate members.

There numbers have dwindled over the years to the point where the administrative work outweighs the income. The committee recommend that you accept this motion.

i

Treasurer reply.

2. This association accept the formulation of a rule book as described in article 20 of the constitution.

The purpose of a rule book is to allow for the regulation of the day to day ruling of the association without the need to be continually amending the constitution. The executive committee may introduce new rules as the need arises, but must always bring them before the next AGM for your approval.A copy of the proposed rule book has been left on each of the tables. The executive committee recommends that you accept this. If we can once get it started we can amend it, add to it. Today we have motions before us and we have no rules to govern how they are dealt with. These rules will have to be devised for future meetings. Rules cannot be made up before a problem arises.

The motion was then put to the vote:This association accepts a rule book as prescribed in article 20 of this constitution.

Result of the vote carried unanimously lan Greenhalgh gave the following address I have been asked to say a few words about your retiring secretary Sheila Gray.

Sheila has for at least the past 18 years been the backbone of the association as secretary. In her own right as the sec­ retary and also when she staunchly supported her late husband Frank when he held office within the association.

I have been asked to remind you by your President, Peter Fletcher that next week is the 20th Anniversary of this association’s formation. That in itself deserves a round of applause. I think that everybody in this room who has been involved in this association since the beginning should congratulate themselves, despite a lot of uphill struggling, has not not at any stage given up the fight and you continue to protest and seek the fulfilment of our moto. ‘all we seek is justice.

I have in front of me which I have been asked to read, a brief tribute to t he work of your retiring secretary Sheila.

From Baltic Ecological Parliament: Gerry Jowcowski.

Francian Environmental movements send greetings to the BNTVA. Our association is proud to be associated with you for your special meeting at Blackpool. Through our very good friend Mrs Sheila Gray we have learned about your difficulties with your government and hope that soon you will have success. What has happened to your men has also happened to our other friends in Chernoble in Russia so we understand your health problems. We know that this will be the last year that Mrs Sheila will be your secretary and we want to thank her for her work in helping nuclear veterans We are proud to know her and also have her as our friend. The scientific information which Sheila got for our association about radiation and health effects were very important to teaching Polish medical students in universities. We will be very glad that in the next years you will send us new papers about your problems.In this moment we say thank you and our best wishes.

2. Frank Cook M.P. My interest in nuclear matters began when I became acquainted with Frank and Sheila Gray. Many of you will be aware of the ghastly consequences to themselves and to their children, due to Frank’s exposure to radiation during the Montebello tests. The Grays bore their personal tragedy stoically, but obviously fuelled Frank’s determination to achieve recognition for others in the same position. As secretary of the BNTVA with Sheila’s help. Frank carried the banner until his test related ailments finally killed him in 1992. With Frank gone Sheila had already been on the committee for 7 years con­ tinued the association’s work with quiet diligence. One successful initiative in which she and I were involved was the placing of a memorial tablet in front of the war memorial in Billingham the main town of my constituency.devoted to nuclear test veterans. The struggle for full governmental recognition of the veterans medical problems, and the need for remedial action and appropriate allowances has sadly been more protracted.

Sheila has proved herself admirably suited to the long haul, not for her the one off dramatic gesture. Her style is the patient and relentless pursuit of your objectives. If that ment confronting successive governments with variance on the same reasonable demands time and time again then she did it. As she herself to Tony Blair after his re-election in 2001. “We are not asking the impossible, only what is our right as citizen’s of this country in it’s time of need. We should be setting an example to other nations such as New Zealand and Australia Whereas we are tag&hig behind them in having to beg our country for the same care and consideration”.

Time takes it toll on all of us, and Sheila is now having to hand on the banner but will remain part of your collective cause. A cause which she has done so much to advance and should remain a thorn in the side of the powers that be until they fully recognise and act upon the truth. For me she will remain a valued constituent and contact. I know she will remain a most valued colleague.

Lord Jack Ashley also sent a tribute.

On behalf of us all, Sheila, thank you and God bless you, and I ask that you receive this gift with our warm appreciation.

Sheila Gray’s reply: I don’t know how to start or follow those comments. I thank you all for your kind wishes, and support. I am going to miss you all very much. I wish you well and hope that the association goes from strength to strength. God bless you all.

It was announced that Ken Taylor was standing down due to ill health.

Nominations for Officers and Executive committee There is only one nomination for each position. Therefore the present officers and members of the executive committee are returned unopposed. The new appointments are made also unopposed Executive Committee Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer Secretary and News Letter Editor Pensions Advisor Children’s Representative Widows’ Representative -

John Lowe Derek Redfern Ken Roberts Jeff Liddiatt Derek Heaps Martin Blackburn Mavis Gardner

The AGM closed with the usual raffle

Obituary It is with regret that the death of William Henry Linton Rafferty is announced.

Ex Royal Navy HMS Narvik Leading Stoker He suffered from many illnesses including Duodenal Ulcer due to radiation exposure Hypertension, Mass in bowel, Chest infection, Pneumonia.

His Son, Linton Rafferty of Dunfermline, Scotland wishes to take over the membership from his father.

He also has asked for contact with any ex ship mates that might have served with his father.

Chairman Vice Chairman & Membership Secretary

Secretary & Newsletter Editor

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

Derick Redfern 32 St Aubyn Crescent Newquay Cornwall TR72RQ Tel/Fax 01637 879048

Treasurer

Pensions Officer

Ken Roberts 1 Regal Close Seaton Carew Hartlepool Cleveland TS25 IDG Tel/Fax 0142 927 3392

Derek Heaps 4 Bakewell Drive Castle Donnington Derby DE72NF

Widows Representative

Children’s Representative

Mavis Gardner 30 Link Road Ansty Leicester LE7 7BW Tel/Fax 0116 236 4767

Martin Blackburn 154 Astley Street Tydesley Manchester M29 7AX Tel/Fax 01942 887566

Jeff Liddiatt 13 Wetlands Lane Portishead Bristol BS20 6RA Tel 01275 848965 Fax 01275 84867 on request email secretary@bntva.com Newsletter contributions email bntva@modoracle.com

Tel/Fax 01332 811429

Advisors to the committee.

President

Advising Solicitor

Chaplain

Peter Fletcher MBE 11 Lord Street St. Helens Merseyside WA10 2SJ Tel/Fax 01744 630612

Ian Greenhalgh LLB Unit B Worthington Way Marus Bridge Wigan WN3 6XE Tel 019452 820202 Fax 01942 820378

The Very Rev. Nicholas Frayling Dean of Chichester The Deanery Canon Lane Chichester West Sussex P019IPX

Web Master Colin Jenner Line Type Design 25 King Edward Avenue Tel 01482 571431

Scotland Bob Smith 11 Holyknowe Crescent Lennoxtown Glasgow G65 7DY Tel 01360 311300

Portsmouth Les Gosling 49 Lincoln Road Fratton Portsmouth POl 5BG Tel 02392 614673

Humberside Trevor Butler 75 Woldcarr Road Hull Humberside HU3 6TR Tel 01482 571431

Sussex Jim Cooper 30 Beaumont Road Worthing West Sussex BN14 8HD Tel 01903 232108

North Wales Peter Bullen Penland Mill Cottage Llandegai Bangor Gwynedd LL57 4LG Tel 01248 352708

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

South Wales Peter & Gron Williams 27 Heol Myryddin Ffairfach Llandeilo Dyfed SA19 6PD Tel 01558 822141

East Anglia Keith Holmes 18 Henby Way Thorp St Andrew Norwich NR7 OLD

West Yorkshire Wally Holsworth 11 Foundry Walk Leeds LS8 3PZ Tel 01132 94 6149 East Midlands Marilyn Hall (Mrs) 335 Shetland Road Leicester LE4 6RS Tel 0116 225 1783 Fax 0116 225 1784 Milton Keynes Pat Hurley 24 Caxton Road Old Wolverton Milton Keynes MK12 50PG Tel 0190 831 3024 Cornwall Neol Hendy 2 Bowdens Row West End Redruth Cornwall TR15 2TS Tel 01209 214 814

Dorset & Somerset Richard Wallis Broadville 15 Highland Road Weymouth DT4 OBJ Tel 013057 55941 Fax 013057 59259 Gt. Manchester & Cheshire Martin Blackburn 154 Astly Street Tyldesely Manchester M29 7AX Tel 01942 887566 National Standard Bearer Douglas Hern 36 Bell Lane Moulton Spalding Linconshire PE12 6PH Tel 01406 371134