BNTVA SUMMER 2020

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Reader’s Stories Tales from the Membership

• Details of new fast track war pension claims for British nuclear test veterans. • New welfare services and friendship groups. • Introducing the BNTVA Collection.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE WHO DID NOT MAKE IT THIS FAR AND IN SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO HAVE

Bob Ireland, 1938-2020 At the time of going to press we have been informed of the sudden death of Robert (Bob) Ireland from a heart attack. As many of you will know, Bob served in the Merchant Navy, witnessed Grapple X and Y and was a member of the Merchant Navy Association in Liverpool. Bob was the first person to be given an NCCF honorary lifetime membership.

Bob was the BNTVA Organisation families by becoming a Trustee of Bob's passing is a loss to his three Manager and later took the position the NCCF. Bob was the first person daughters, Janet, Diane and Angela, of Secretary. He was a great asset to be given an NCCF honorary the NCCF, the BNTVA and the cause to the Association, and in 2018 lifetime membership. of the British nuclear test veterans. retired from the BNTVA as a Members relate how Bob was such trustee. He continued working for More information will follow from an approachable and friendly man. the benefit and wellbeing of British the NCCF concerning details of nuclear test veterans and their Bob’s funeral arrangements. BNTVA CONTENTS 1

Contents

Obituary Page 12 Page 22 Bob Ireland, 1938-2020 Military Service BNTVA Board of Trustees Michael John Parker 23503178 Bob was the BNTVA Organisation Sapper (7th May 1941- 26th May Manager and later took the Page 25 2006). Transcript of notes position of Secretary. He was a BNTVA Competition shared with us by his daughter. great asset to the Association, Are you or a member of the British and in 2018 retired from the Nuclear Survivor Community you BNTVA as a trustee. Page 14 know in need of an electric Operation Dominic wheelchair? A story from Kenneth Bainger Page 2 MBE. A Message from the Chair Page 26 from Ceri McDade. DNA Genetic Testing Kits Page 16 A new leaflet from Brunel Centre The Over the Fence Exhibition for Health Effects of Radiological Page 3 and the BNTVA Collection and Chemical Agents (CHRC) Remembrance and Reconciliation A report from new BNVTA Advisory Board. from the Very Rev. Nicholas Curator Wesley Perriman. Frayling KStJ. BNTVA Chaplain. Page 27 Page 17 Puzzle Page Page 4 Operation Hurricane 1952 Introducing Project Reunite A few items from the BNTVA The BNTVA has recently secured collection from Operation Page 28 funding from the Armed Forces Hurricane by Wesley Perriman. Ways to pay your annual BNTVA Covenant Fund Trust COVID Fund membership subscription to connect veterans, wives and widows as part of Project Reunite. Page 18 Page 30 Crossing The Line by Wesley Perriman. Contact page Page 7 Academia and Research News Including articles on: Page 19 Non-medical Letters of Support. BNVTA Events We want to hear Including: Book Award: Disarming Doomsday. from you... Participants Needed for Research. National Atomic Veterans If you would like us to interview Awareness Day plus others... you about your time spent at the Page 8 British nuclear tests, or if you'd like Page 21 Operation Mosaic 1956 to share any stories in our next BNVTA Appeal A story from Andi Jones. magazine. Brian Cole, Christmas Island

Veteran, 1957, is looking for Please email [email protected], Page 10 attendees of the first meeting phone 0208 144 3080 or write to My Time On The Island of British nuclear test veterans BNTVA, The Smithy, Defynnog, A story from by Jack Hassan. at the Central Hotel. Brecon, Powys LD3 8SB.

2 campaign Summer 2020

A Message from the Chair Dear Member, Welcome to the Summer edition and a Medal Campaign Update.

After adjusting for six months into a The BNTVA has responded to these fallout, or tales of everyday life new way of life, where the whole issues by securing a major grant – in fact, anything you would like to world engaged a new invisible from the Armed Forces Covenant share. enemy in the form of the coronavirus, Fund Trust to connect veterans in 2020 has also seen both VE and VJ it seems life won’t return to a our shortly-to-be-unveiled website, celebrations as we remember the normal routine anytime soon. and address emotional and mental end of the Second World War, and Despite an easing of lockdown in health issues through additional the advent of nuclear weapons by the four UK nations, many people services. Veterans have made it the Americans at Hiroshima on have suffered a very difficult time very clear that they have differing August 6, 1945. It feels both strange after losing family and friends, the preferred methods of communication, and unfair that 75 years on from the inability to visit loved ones in and we have listened. We are looking destruction of this first uranium hospital, restrictions on funeral to embed zoom conferencing on the bomb, the British nuclear test attendances, lack of physical website for virtual meet ups, and veterans who have been exposed to contact, difficulties with shopping, separate chat rooms for veterans, ionising radiation at the hand of the a halt to outpatients’ appointments wives, widows and descendants. and surgical procedures, delays in MOD, still haven’t achieved tangible For those who prefer chatting over diagnosis and health management. recognition from the British the phone, we are introducing The coronavirus has affected government. Chloe Smith MP, Telephone Friendship Groups for up everyone, but has had a devastating wrote to our patron Sir John Hayes to six people at a time for a weekly effect on vulnerable people in MP in June, stating that the hour-long chat. society, including older people, BNTVA's claim for medallic those living alone, people with We have been contacted by dozens recognition has been passed to the immunity issues, and those of veterans, who, due to staying at Advisory Military Sub-Committee. We await the outcome of their next suffering from acute and chronic home as a result of COVID-19, have meeting, yet are currently unaware health conditions. been searching out photos, and when the meeting will take place.. relaying accounts of time spent at Our British nuclear test veterans often straddle one or more of these the British nuclear tests. Part of the Ceri McDade groups due to age and disability, and, grant funding we have been UniDip (Theol.) PGCert (M.H.Psych) after speaking with many veterans, awarded will be used to digitise PGDip. (Soc.Res.) wives, widows and descendants on photographs, as well as collate oral BNTVA Chair the phone over the past weeks, the stories of time spent at the tests. message of suffering from social All stories are important to this isolation and loneliness comes collection, whether recounting through time and time again. witnessing the bomb, cleaning up BNTVA REPORTS 3

Remembrance and Reconciliation I was speaking on the ’phone to one of our Veteran members the other day and asked how he was coping with ‘lockdown’. Like many of you, he is classified as especially vulnerable. His reply has given me much to think about: ‘I’ve had lots more time than usual to remember.’

When we gather as an Association that remembering involves telling to understand and serve the needs – perhaps at our Arboretum the stories to new generations who of our members, and – which is Memorial or in more local gatherings cannot even remember the Cold their main duty – to administer – we have a formal Act of War, let alone nuclear testing. the Charity with integrity and due Remembrance. This is entirely right That is why the July letter from our diligence. and proper, because to remember new Chair, Ceri McDade, is very Ceri and her team are having to is to pay tribute, and those Veterans important. Ceri wrote: grapple with many challenges, who have died, and for that matter ‘The charitable objects of the BNTVA among them those facing the whole their widows and descendants, remain as a Charity providing charitable sector in the light of the deserve nothing less. On such welfare for veterans and their Corona virus and what may follow. occasions, I often speak about the families, research into radiation They deserve the support of all who Cross, that central symbol of the exposure, and education in the have the best interests of the Christian faith, and its power to wider community concerning British BNTVA at heart. transform suffering into hope and nuclear tests. We are working by sorrow into joy. During my thirty-three years as continuing the medal recognition your Chaplain, I have seen the But for those who served, campaign, and access to war Association weather a number of Remembrance is a more constant pensions.’ storms. In each case, it has preoccupation. A social highlight of Those aims and objectives are of emerged stronger and more resilient my year is the annual Christmas great importance, and Ceri followed than before. I am sure that will Dinner of the Pompey Vets (I live in them up with an excellent video happen again after recent resignations Portsmouth and the lads are very message which I commend to all and a spate of unfortunate social kind to me!). Each year, long before readers – you can click here to see media posts. we have sat down, they are swapping it: https://www.youtube.com/watch? stories and memories, always with This leads me to step gingerly into v=eaXyqFd9IxQ. a mixture of happy nostalgia and of that particular minefield, because sadness. We have a moment of I want to make it clear that I offer when social media becomes a place silent Remembrance before dinner. my wholehearted support to the to share negative thoughts about

new Chair and the strong and other people, usually in anger, not Our Association does not need to capable Board of Trustees, all of only is it very hurtful, it is also liable be reminded of the obligation to whom are Veterans or Descendants to ruin your own reputation - a fact remember; but of course, part of of Veterans. They are well qualified that is usually forgotten. Ctd pg 5. 4 campaign Summer 2020

Introducing Project Reunite The BNTVA has recently secured funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust COVID Fund to connect veterans, wives and widows as part of Project Reunite.

The Project has commenced to link BNTVA veterans, after enduring the loneliness of lockdown, social isolation, anxiety, and disappointment from hearing about the cancellations of the BNTVA Conference in May, and the All Tests Reunion in September 2020 due to COVID-19. This grant covers bringing awareness of the BNTVA to reach veterans who may not yet have heard of us through advertising in military magazines and newspapers.

We are delighted to announce the formation of a new partnership of collaborative working to develop and enhance welfare services for veterans, wives and widows. The BNTVA and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) are aiming to bring veterans together to unite, reunite, and provide a forum for sharing and chatting on a weekly basis over the phone. This service is open for all BNTVA veterans from the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Project seeks to provide emotional and welfare support in the following ways by providing:

Telephone Friendship Groups (TFGs). After remote volunteer training in safeguarding and facilitating takes place in early September, the BNTVA will be ready to provide facilitators to run groups of six veterans at a time on an audio-conferencing service provided by the RAFBF and The Silverline Charity for older people.

These groups will be specific for BNTVA members, and, if popular, will be extended post- COVID. The environment will be relaxed to encourage chatting, finding commonalities such as tests attended or geographical location, searching for old friends and colleagues, and sharing interests on a weekly basis for an hour. If you are interested in being included in this service, please contact us on 0208 144 3080, [email protected] or by post. Likewise, if you are interested in volunteering to facilitate a group, please contact us as soon as possible.

Listening and Counselling Service The RAFBF runs a listening and counselling service, which was primarily set up to cover the waiting period for people accessing NHS treatment.

Due to the effect of COVID on emotional wellbeing, the BNTVA is linking into this confidential and personalised service for veterans, wives and widows of the Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The service has been set up for those who feel they could benefit in sharing personal issues with a trained professional. If you are concerned about your wellbeing, feel you need to be listened to, are coming to terms with grief, a life-changing diagnosis, living long-term with chronic conditions, or are experiencing the challenges of a life-limiting diagnosis, then please do get in touch to access emotional support and talking therapies. This service is extended to family members who care for someone else, or who are being cared for. Trained counsellors will make a personal visit where possible, and provide up to 12 free counselling sessions. If you feel you need the support of the Listening and Counselling Service, please contact confidentially on 0208 144 3080. BNTVA NEWS 5

Collation of a Digitised Library Remembrance and Reconciliation continued... of Photographs and Stories

The BNTVA has begun purchasing specialist digitising equipment under More to the point, in the case of a the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust grant, to allow production of good Charity, such actions are liable to quality copies of photographs and relevant documents. bring the organisation into disrepute. This will be the start of creating a BNTVA Digital Archive, which Wesley Perriman, our Curator, will report on in the next magazine. We have started I began with one Veteran’s reflection interviewing veterans about their experiences around the time of the British on Remembrance, and his awareness nuclear tests and hope to be able to share these on the website and at of its significance. This is at the exhibitions as COVID-19 eases. heart of our Association, because the costliness of injury and illness, Project Fallout - Veterans’ Foundation ‘attributable to service’ in the official jargon, is so often denied or belittled. Project Fallout continues under a recently received second tranche of funding Our Veterans, their widows and from the Veterans’ Foundation. descendants know better.

This enables the BNTVA to provide specific training to trustees and volunteers To remember is indeed to pay through the Volunteer Network, and purchase more Amazon Fire tablets for tribute. May our remembering help those who wish to connect online. Please contact 0208 144 3080 if you would like us to support the BNTVA in its work a tablet. The tablets don’t come with automatic internet connection, you will have for the living; and, with God’s help, to check and see if you have Wi-Fi available to connect. to make it our priority to build a more just, inclusive and peaceful If you are interested in volunteering for the BNTVA, we would love to hear from world. Those who have gone before you. As part of the Volunteer Network that is being formed, we welcome a range us would expect nothing less. of skills and experience, from becoming involved one-to-one with phoning matched members regularly, interest in helping at future events, preparing This comes, as always, with the articles or letting us know any specific talents and skills that you may have. promise of my thoughts and Safeguarding and specific training will be offered under Projects Fallout and prayers, especially at this time for Reunite at no cost to yourself. Please contact on [email protected], by post or those who are in isolation and 0208 144 3080. separated from family and friends. If any members would like to be in Fast Track War Pension Form contact, an email to [email protected] will find its way to me. After discussion with Johnny Mercer MP, and the Office of Veterans’ Affairs With all good wishes (OVA), the BNTVA provided evidence for the new leaflet being produced concerning eligibility criteria for the British Nuclear Test Veterans War Pensions applications.

The initial leaflet stated that veterans had to provide film badge readings for the tests they had attended. After we were approached by the OVA, we Very Rev. Nicholas Frayling KStJ provided documentation from veterans confirming that they were either not BNTVA Chaplain issued with a film badge or, for those that were, that readings weren’t taken. Since submitting this evidence, the OVA has changed the wording to ask if veterans were issued with a film badge or dosemeter.

The form is called the Nuclear Test Veterans (NTV) Priority Claim: Enquiries/Request Form. This is to fast track War Pension applications. If you require assistance completing the form, please contact [email protected]. FORM OVERLEAF... 6 campaign Summer 2020

What happens next? Claiming compensation for conditions relating to exposure In order to consider your claim Veterans UK will collect relevant information from sources both inside and to ionising radiation outside the Ministry of Defence.

Who can apply for compensation under the War Some of the things that we need to collect in order to Pension Scheme? consider your claim might include:-

War Pensions are payable in respect of illness or injury • Con昀rmation of attendance at the tests due to Service in HM Armed Forces before 6 April 2005, • Con昀rmation of the duties you were involved in when with the bene昀t of reasonable doubt always given to the you were there claimant. Decisions are medically certi昀ed and follow consideration of available service and medical If you can provide copies of any supporting evidence, where evidence supports a causal link to documentation such as reports from your GP/hospital service, entitlement will be given. this may help us deal with your claim faster. Information for

How to apply British Nuclear You can make your claim by downloading a claim form. Help and Support

If you think your condition was caused by exposure to Making a claim Test Veterans ionising radiation during the UK nuclear test programme it may speed up your claim if you also complete the Free independent advice is available from the Veterans additional form. Welfare Service or other charitable organisations. The BNTVA may also be able to assist you as they have What information is needed? a wealth of knowledge to share and have links across • You need to tell us what condition is being claimed the world with other Atomic organisations including • You need to tell us which nuclear tests you were at America, France, Australia, Fiji, Christmas Island and New Zealand. • You need to tell us about medical treatment that you have had If you disagree with our decision If you are only claiming for conditions linked to exposure You can appeal your decision to an independent to ionising radiation, you don’t need to complete the tribunal. section relating to:- You can contact any of the service charities or support • Reporting injuries BNTVA • Whether there were any witnesses organisations including who can o昀er personal representation at appeal hearings.

Information for British Nuclear Health Studies Compensation claims for Ionising Test Veterans Radiation Related Disorders – In response to health concerns of some Nuclear MOD’s current policy. Over 20,000 military personnel were present at the Test Veterans in the 1980s, the Ministry of Defence commissioned an independent study into mortality and UK nuclear weapon tests between 1952 and 1967 in cancer incidence among nuclear test participants. The Veterans, including Nuclear Test Veterans, who believe Australia and the South Paci昀c. The tests were the 昀rst report was published in 1988 with two follow up they have su昀ered ill health due to service can apply for largest tri-service event since the D-Day landings. reports in 1993 and 2003. no-fault compensation under the War Pensions Scheme which has no time limits and a low standard of proof – The protection, health and welfare of those involved in The studies compared the overall mortality and, cancer the operations was a vital consideration. The tests were more information on how to claim is on page 5. incidence and mortality, in over 20,000 participants with carried out to the highest contemporary radiological that of a similar-sized control group of ex-servicemen A revised departmental policy statement on claims standards, minimising fallout. who were age-matched, had served around the same for ionising radiation related disorders was published time and had deployed overseas but had not in December 2017. This updated the previous (昀rst) The UK conducted 12 major nuclear weapon tests participated in the tests. A comparison was also made radiation policy dated 2003 which was informed by in Australia between 1952 and 1957. The explosions occurred at the Montebello Islands, Emu Field and with the UK general community. contemporary understanding of the e昀ects of ionising radiation and the NRPB reports to that date. The 2017 Maralinga. The third NRPB study published in 2003 followed departmental policy re昀ected the several international the groups to the end of 1998 when cause of death reports and papers on the adverse health e昀ects was established for 23% of participants and controls. appearing from 2003. The policy document content was Interest in the health of nuclear test veterans has validated by PHE and the Independent Medical Expert continued and in 2017/18 the Public Health England Group (IMEG). (PHE) review of study information found that about 55% of those present at the tests had now died, meaning Having carefully considered the overall contemporary that the statistical power of any further study to detect medical and scienti昀c published peer-reviewed literature di昀erences in the mortality of cancer incidence and in the context of the war pensions onus and standard of mortality would be greatly increased. The Fourth study, proof, the normal policy in war pensions is that there is commissioned in 2018, will extend the analysis by reliable evidence to raise a reasonable doubt that there a further almost 20 years, again considering overall may be a causal link between ionising radiation mortality and cancer incidence and mortality and exposure and the following cancers:- comparing Veterans present at the tests with a control group of age and sex matched Veterans serving at the Bone Breast (female) Central Nervous System same time but who were not Nuclear Test Veterans, and Colon Gall bladder Liver (primary) also with the UK general population. It will also consider Lung Oesophagus Renal pelvis and ureter variations in risk in the groups with time. Rectum Salivary gland Stomach A few hundred smaller scale tests were conducted at Thyroid Urinary bladder both Emu Field and Maralinga between 1953 and 1963. As the fourth study is part of a series, the methodology and outcomes studied must remain the same as in the Claims will be considered on the case facts A set of four nuclear weapon test series were also other three in the series to produce meaningful results. Entitlement is accepted, as a presumption, and without carried out by the UK in 1957 and 1958 at Malden The report is expected in mid-2020 and the intention consideration of case speci昀c facts for leukaemia (other Island and Christmas Island in the Paci昀c Ocean as is to submit for publication in the mainstream scienti昀c than chronic lymphatic leukaemia) having onset within part of the British hydrogen bomb programme. In total literature. Departmental policy on ionising radiation 25 years of 昀rst presence at the test sites as described nine nuclear explosions were initiated as part of this related compensation will be reviewed in light of the above. The policy is however, not an acknowledgement series. 昀ndings and, if appropriate, revised. that those present at the tests were exposed to harm. BNTVA NEWS 7

Academia and Research News

Non-medical Letters of Support

“Dr Becky Alexis-Martin, Lecturer in Human Geography at Manchester Metropolitan University, undertook a social and cultural study of nuclear test veterans’ lives, entitled “Nuclear Families”.

Becky is happy to provide free expert non-medical letters of support for members of the nuclear community, to help explain challenges faced by veterans and descendants to GPs, social services and other sources of support.

If you would like to take advantage of this support, you can get in touch with her at [email protected]

Book Award

We are also delighted to announce that on June 15, Dr Becky Alexis-Martin won the British International Studies Association (BISA) L.H.M. Ling Outstanding First Book Prize for “Disarming Doomsday”, published by Pluto Press.

Dr Alexis-Martin has also been shortlisted for the Bread & Roses Award for “Disarming Doomsday”. We would like to thank Becky for her contribution to the Nuclear Community, and for her continued research with the British Nuclear Community.

Participants Needed for PhD Research

“The British Nuclear Test Veteran: Nuclear Weapons, National Service, and the Soldier’s Body” is a PhD research project conducted by Fiona Bowler at the University of Southampton.

The project investigates the experiences of British nuclear test veterans involved in atmospheric nuclear tests, perceptions of radiation risk, and the impact of these experiences upon servicemen. It also examines the evolution of a community of British nuclear test veterans. As part of this project, Fiona Bowler is looking to conduct oral history interviews with British nuclear test veterans and their family members. The data will feature within her doctoral thesis, which will be made available to participants upon completion.

You are invited to participate in these interviews - if interested, please contact Fiona Bowler via email [email protected] or telephone 07824 777005.

8 campaign Summer 2020

Reader’s Story by Andi Jones Operation Mosaic 1956

HMS Diana, Daring Class destroyer, was ordered in February 1945, and built by the shipyard of Yarrow & Co. She was laid down on the 3rd April and finished ready for launching on the 8th of May 1952. The 29th of March 1954 saw her get her commission into Her Majesties Royal Naval Fleet.

Her standard displacement was Her Captain for this commission Initially, they travelled to Suez 2,830 tons, but when loaded this was John R Gower DSC (some may where Capt. Gower notified the crew increased to 3,820 tons. She was remember his nephew David about onward travels, and the trials 390 ft long, 53 ft wide with a draught Gower; a cricketer and Captain of at Montebello. They were told to of 13 ½ ft and a speed of 30 knots England). HMS Diana was arrive at Montebello by the 3rd May, (though apparently, she was a wee commissioned on the 28th February and made fuelling stops at Aden, bit quicker than that). Diana had a 1956, and the ship’s company was Columbo and Singapore. Captain range of 4,400 nm and a crew of 308 made up of men from the West Gower was told that the Ministry of on Commission 3, for the trip to Country. Defence was to carry out two trials, Australia. BNTVA STORIES 9

Mosaic 1 and 2, known as G1 and HMS Diana was signalled that parts of which had been unacceptably G2. Training started immediately; fallout was to be at 1330, shelter radioactive! The MOD's attitude they covered the fin with polythene stations at 1220, and the first traces remains the same, probably as it is designed by the scientists onboard, of fallout were detected at 1325. today, and rigged a canvas covering all At 1440 the crew had detected over the ship. radiation in excess of 10 If you think you have milliroentgens, by 1845 it had “ The ship’s company and the scientists a case, prove it!! dropped to 0.4, then all the work ” rigged up and streamed various started again, wash down at 2245, equipment over the side to measure It went on to say that no individual and finished at 0020. the depth the fallout reached! can do this, one must accept it is a There is a lot more to this story to battle lost! Captain Gower wrote The basis of the tests, which had be told, I have an amazing 6-page these words in 1994, 38 years after been planned since 1953 by the document, written by Captain John Mosaic, and passed away in 2007, Chiefs of Staff, was to see what effect Gower that my Father gave to me to aged 95. After Montebello, Diana an atomic explosion would have on read, and, yes, Dad was on HMS went back to Singapore, and then ships, their equipment, contents, Diana, at Montebello in 1956, for was called to the Suez Crisis. On and men! HMS Diana and her crew both G1 and G2. He told me a lovely, 31st October, she sank the Egyptian were made available to provide the but funny story about a little dog, frigate Domiat, which was engaged answers. The tests were planned called Simba. in a one-sided gun dual with the for May and June, which was the cruiser, HMS Newfoundland. This Australia winter, and the winds was the last time a ship was sunk should blow from the west. by another in a conflict using Now there's a lot more to this story, gunfire alone. There is more to the but I don't have the space within the story, but I have found conflicts, and page to include all the info on, so, we know the then Prime Minister I’ll skip some. On 16th May 1956, of the UK, Anthony Eden, gave the device exploded. Action stations mis-information to Robert Menzies were called at 1220, and shelter PM of Australia regarding the yield of G2. It was actually 98kt. Some stations at 1325 - this was the expected time of 95% of fallout. research states that the yield wasn’t

No real effect was felt until 1915, known until 1984, and that the weapon was fusion based, hence as Diana was in the fallout, and Postscript fallout ceased at 2100. At this point, the bigger yield. Even William There was an interesting paragraph monitoring staff went out to take Penney thought it was only going to in Captain Gower's notes. It wasn't readings. be between 50-60kt - how wrong he known for some considerable time was! Mosaic 2 very nearly didn't happen that the G2 weapon was supposed due to adverse weather conditions. to have been 60kt (the British To all the Diana, Veterans and Also, the crew didn't know that G2 Government scientists told the descendants, though I prefer to call was going to be considerably bigger Australian government that it was you family, I hope the information than G1, which was 15kt; G2 was to 62.5kt, yet the Australians proved it I've written is as close to the truth be 60kt. On June 19th, the flash was was in fact 98kt). The following as I can find out, with the notes I observed at 1014 from a distance of orders were given, ''They were have, If anybody has any information 97 miles, with the fireball twice the required to steam through the fallout reference Montebello 1956, please size of G1. The double crack sound from two nuclear explosions, to contact Andi Jones, BNTVA. was colossal, and was heard over deliberately contaminate our ship [email protected] 200 miles away in Australia. and to continue to serve in a ship'', 0208 144 3080 10 campaign Summer 2020

Reader’s Story by Jack Hassan My Time On The Island

Christmas Island, Spring 1957 – Spring 1958

On completing my training with the Royal Engineers, everything over the coming weeks and months was something I definitely wasn’t prepared for!

Landing on Christmas Island at It took some time to adjust to living we could actually climb up the trees night time, the driver collecting us in a tent to begin with… then we and knock the coconuts down, split and taking us to Main Camp was lived in the huts. There were 6 to a them open and drink the lovely marking something on his windscreen tent/hut and each had a pole outside fresh milk! In the island’s lagoon – as he drove… Only later did I find out it with a crab tied to the pole! where we could have an occasional that he was keeping count of the swim, there were big puffer fish that Each tent/hut painted their crab and crabs we were running over on our would blow themselves up in front put their tent’s name on the pole trip to the camp! of you whilst you were swimming! outside; our tent was “The Lea Rig” What have I done?! – named after a pub I drank in on I was lucky that I had an outlet for Dundas Street back in Glasgow. enjoying myself at Christmas Island I was stationed in the Main Camp as The Lea Rig had a Lance Corporal – there was a band; Bill Skinner’s one of two engineers responsible (in charge of the tent), 2 engineers Dance Band (sometimes known as for maintaining the 3 boilers that (Sid and I, who were on 24-hour The Show Band) and the leader was fed the cookhouses. I worked with a duty) and 3 stokers (who were on 3 Sgt Bill Skinner. Bill Retty was a great guy called Sid Foster from hourly shift rotation between them). friend who played trumpet, and I Gateshead. I did visit him and his One night we were at “the pictures” played with him back home in wife Fran, but sorry that we didn’t and a message came up, “Will the Glasgow. He wrote to me quite often keep up the friendship... engineers go to Boiler No.1?” and, trying to get me to come to Christmas as Sid and I got up to leave, the Island to join the band because I On landing on the Island, on audience started cheering for us! played the alto sax and that’s what reporting for duties on our first day the band was missing! we were called Moon Men; because Christmas Island is actually a coconut of our pure white skins! plantation – just imagine that BNTVA STORIES 11

As you can imagine, it was difficult – funny to see all the pale millionaires keeping the band together with lying on the beach trying to get a some of the lads coming to the end tan, wondering who on earth all of their time on the Island, so these dark, tanned young men during my time there, the band were. We’d come a long way from broke up. I took over as leader at our pale Moon Men skins on arrival one point until such times as we at the Island! eventually finished and became a I witnessed two atomic bombs and quartet of sax, drums, bass and three hydrogen bombs being tested; piano! when the atomic bombs were tested Each regiment had a 1st and 2nd we were given a day for the first one… football team – I played centre half and when the hydrogen bombs were for my regiment’s 2nd team and I tested we got a day off for all three of played in the 1st team on one those… occasion: luckily scoring

the winning goal!

As it turned out, we had some good The Fijian army were also times playing in the Officer’s Mess stationed on Christmas and the Sgt’s Mess, but our OWN Island and their football

Mess provided the largest audience team were so fit and fast… by far! We played “How would you they would have knocked But my time on the Island gave me like to spend Christmas on Christmas you over and you wouldn’t have lifelong experiences and memories Island?” nearly every night of the known what had hit you – they were and I hope this jogs up similar fond week! BRUTAL! memories for some of the people.

We even played in the island’s I flew to Honolulu for leave (for 6 by Jack Hassan church. The organist was ill, so Bill days) – not bad for a youngster

Skinner arranged for 2 trumpets from Glasgow! We sunbathed on and 2 saxes to go and play some Honolulu’s renowned Waikiki Beach, hymns in the church. and were almost black with suntans

Photo by David Trinder, Christmas Island 1957-58 12 campaign Summer 2020

Military Service

Michael John Parker 23503178 Sapper (7th May 1941- 26th May 2006) [transcript of notes shared with us by his daughter].

On the 7th February 1957 I travelled from home to Southampton. Had a Medical, and joined the army (BOYS SERVICE) On the train to Chepstow (ARMY APPRENTICE SCHOOL) Beachley Camp, which was to be my training base and home, for the best part of the next three years, where I was to train as a plant fitter and best of all get a proper education!

ABOUT CHEPSTOW. This was before the first Severn Bridge was built and motorways were just starting. Beachley Camp at that time was a collection of wooden huts and a workshop on an old shipbuilding site, between the River Severn and Wye, there was also a ferry crossing to take traffic from Wales to England.

On the 17th of December 1959

57A apprentice party as we were called, passed out and I joined the ROYAL ENGINEERS.

18th December 1959 – 10th May 1960.

No1 Training Reg Cove Nr Farnborough Hants. Combat training and awaiting next posting.

10th May 1960 – 22nd September 1960

No5 Field Sqd Paderborn Germany. Part of BAOR. The cold war was underway.

22nd September 1960 – 7th March 1961

Royal Engineers HQ Chatham Kent. Continue my trade training I was determined to reach the top of my trade.

The Medway towns, Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester were the main base for the Royal Engineers.

7th March 1961 – 28th April 1961

Back in Paderborn but not for long. I was off to (Australia) (Maralinga)

Today this seems like a short trip, but in 1961 it was the start of a great adventure!

29th April – 15th June 1961

Headquarters RE getting kit and passport etc.

16th June 1961

Stanley Airport fly viscount turboprop to Singapore via Istanbul and Bombay.

18th June 1961

Arrived Singapore and spent two days waiting for a plane to Perth via Jakarta. From Perth narrow gauge railway to Kalgoore and then the transcontinental railway to Maralinga (place of big thunder). BNTVA STORIES 13

To find it on a map 28.40 S 132.50 E between the Great Victoria Desert and the Nullabor Plain about as far from civilization as you can get but with a railway, about 35 miles away, and ideal spot to test the triggers for Atom Bombs and at the western end of the Woomera Rocket range.

I was there in my trade capacity to support the infrastructure and the testing. It was a pretty good posting but of course there was no social life, but it was good for my reading and I took a couple of GCEs as well enjoying the desert in my spare time.

All of a sudden in the late February 1962 an Atom Bomb Test series by the USA started on Christmas Island and overnight I was on my way flying to join the joint task forces at Pearl Harbour in Honolulu and after a week on to Christmas Island with 73 Christmas Island Sqd. 14 campaign Summer 2020

Reader’s Story by Kenneth Bainger MBE Operation Dominic

Christmas Island 1961 to 1962

In 1961 I was a Warrant Officer employed as a Shop Foreman of the Electrical Department, Army Technical School, Chepstow. I received a posting to Christmas Island in August 1961 to relieve a warrant officer who had completed his year on the island.

I travelled by civilian airline to New for crayfish. Crayfish taste similar too close to the edge. If you see any York, Los Angeles, and Hawaii, then to lobster and look like a black person close to the edge, shout a by RAF Transport Command - round centre with many long tentacles warning. On return to the fuel Hastings to Christmas Island. The coming from it. When you see one, drums I cooked the crayfish and first thing I noticed when we landed they were delicious.

was a rotting smell. After reporting The next day I was shown my to my officer, commanding 73 responsibilities, that is, Port Camp Squadron, Royal Engineers (Major) Power Station, water and sewage the warrant officer I was to relieve, system, boilers, lighting, heating, Don Crawford, who has since also main camp in mothballs, large passed away, introduced me to the fuel tanks, refrigeration, cold rest of the squadron in their mess. storage, electrics at the airport, He then said, look in the large battery charging and repair mirror, what do you see? workshop. Don took me fishing

where we came across white fish I said, “I am the only white man”. that moved vertically. When caught, Yes, they were all dark brown. Next, you cut off either side, cook in a at night he took me cray fishing. I frying pan with coconut milk - melts had no idea what I was in for. First, in your mouth. After Don returned he said, “Here is your kit and wear to England, I went shark fishing with army boots. The kit was a hurricane the Royal Navy - caught a Tiger lamp, kit bag, and thick leather STOP, transfer the hurricane lamp Shark, and shark fishing from the gauntlets”. I said, “Why army to your left hand, then, very slowly shore. I also caught a 6-foot long boots?” He said, among the coral are lower your right hand over the black tail tipped shark. Also, I Moray eels who have sharp teeth. crayfish within about 6 inches, posted a coconut to UK and it When we arrived at the other end of pause, push down hard as you can reached home! the island there were Navy, Army onto the round black centre, grasp and RAF sitting beside two 40-gallon tightly (take no notice of the hungry, Because of little to do, sports oil drums full of saltwater boiling lively tentacles) and throw into your were encouraged. I had plenty of away - these were for cooking the pre-arranged kit bag. Relax, and work to do - I watched a film and crayfish. Apparently, there was a don’t move. found it was interrupted on/off, and coral prong that side of the island. diagnosed palm branches growing Then continue making sure you between lines in the Gilbertese Don told me to put the open kit bag avoid any holes in the coral. If a village, and vibration from the over my left shoulder, with my right baby shark comes near you, punch generator diesel engine. The sewage hand holding the lit hurricane lamp them with your gauntlet and keep in /foul water collection tank near the high and slowly walk forward looking sight with each other. Don’t stray officer’s mess in Port Camp had BNTVA STORIES 15

overflowed. Also, small domestic For my Sapper electricians and boilers weren’t working efficiently. myself, all sport stopped. Our task was to take the main camp out of My sapper electricians cut back the mothballs. We had to prepare the foliage after getting permission to power station, sewage/water enter the village. In the power system, hospital, cookhouse, station I found vibration from the cinema, barracks accommodation, diesel engines was the problem. etc, ready for the USA military and I removed all electrics from the American Nuclear Authority. We generators and installed them some were assisted by some American distance from the generators. civilian electricians. We worked 10 Back to the sewage problem... hours a day, 7 days a week. As other engineers had worked on Including lighting for extension of the problem over the years, I assumed US Navy additional squadron the fault was in the initial installation. aircraft parking at the airport. I stood there for about 2 hours thinking. Suddenly, there it was Everything was ready on time. before my eyes - the NRV had been I witnessed the detonation of 24 installed the wrong way round. nuclear bombs. I corrected this and the problem After I arrived home in August 1962, was solved. The domestic I received a letter telling me I had boilers only needed flames been honoured with the MBE for adjusting. my work on Christmas Island. To pass the time, I decided to go At the time of writing this story, I am dinghy racing, fishing, water skiing isolated because of the coronavirus. and joined the Go Kart racing team. I am 95 years old. Then, in early 1962, Operation Dominic was announced. by Kenneth Bainger MBE 16 campaign Summer 2020

The Over the Fence Exhibition and the BNTVA Collection

Hello, I am Wesley Perriman, I am the new BNTVA Curator. Last year I set up the "Over the Fence..." exhibition at the Peace Museum 10th October-20th December, which was co-curated with Dr Becky Alexis-Martin.

Unfortunately, with the 2020 BNTVA some items relating to my father’s stories to the next generation, and conference being cancelled I could time in Maralinga. My father was raise awareness. not tell you in person how successful Jim Perriman; he was billeted as a Over the next few editions of the the show was. We had 561 visitors in cook (RAF element) at Maralinga in campaign magazine I will share total. Though the number might not 1963. He died in 1989 from Cancer some of the items in the seem high please bear in mind the when I was 6. collection. museum only opens 3 days a week After his death, I discovered various for 6 hours a day and is situated on items relating to his time at Maralinga the 2nd floor of a building with no and spent years learning more lift! But bearing all that in mind, about them and I have now shown there were still about 19 people a his collection of objects and day visiting it. I have had many ephemera at various conferences enquiries on whether there was and events. Through these events going to be another exhibition and and via further explorations into I was already looking at bringing existing museum collections, it has the show to different venues but demonstrated the importance of with the lockdown going on preserving the social history of the everything is put on hold. tests.

I think that it is important to Therefore, I offered my services to understand how this exhibition the BNTVA at the start of 2020 to came about. In 2019, I completed a help build the BNTVA collection Masters in Curation Practice at which can be documented, Leeds Arts University. As part of my preserved, and then loaned out research I wrote about and exhibited to museums in order to tell your BNTVA CURATOR 17 BNTVA Collection Operation Hurricane 1952

Here are a few items from the BNTVA collection from Operation Hurricane, Britain’s first atomic test. The bomb was detonated on 3rd October 1952 inside the hold of HMS Plym which was moored in the Montebello Islands off the coast off the coast of Western Australia.

1 2 3

4

6 5

1 HMS Campania 2 HMS Plym 3 Rear Admiral Arthur David Torlesse 4 HMS Tracker (the hospital ship) 5 Operation Hurricane tie 6 Newspaper clipping showing the bomb 18 campaign Summer 2020

Crossing The Line

Also included within the Operation Hurricane collection is the "Crossing the Line" booklet from HMS Campania concerning its journey to the Montebello Islands.

As our Navy Veterans will testify, this was a right of passage for all who crossed the equator. As you see from the list of cast an addition was made to include a new fearsome breed of human - "The Boffin!".

King Neptune: "Step forward wretch, and speedily explain what business you have in my domain." The Boffin replied: “To do experiments in Atom fission." BNTVA EVENTS 19

Events

National Atomic Veterans Awareness Day 3 October 2020 We are awaiting confirmation from the staff at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire, concerning National Atomic Veterans Awareness Day on 3 October. They have recently returned from furlough and are assessing guidelines due to coronavirus. Unfortunately, we cannot say for certain if the event will take place but will inform members as soon as we know. Please contact on 0208 144 3080 for more details closer to the time.

The Last Post, The Don Memorial Museum & Veterans Hub Opening Cranworth St, Thornaby, 31 October-1 November, 2020 You may recall Shelly’s fundraising for the BNTVA at the Don Bar, Stockton-on-Tees, where there is a BNTVA memorial table. On 26 July, Shelly introduced John Lax, David Taunt, Wesley Perriman, and John and Ceri McDade to Julie Cooper, who has worked tirelessly to prepare new premises for opening on 31 October.

The Last Post is a Memorial Museum for the Armed Forces, and veterans in particular, remembering those who have died in service to their country. It provides free Sunday lunches, Christmas dinners, tea and coffee, and courses for veterans. The new premises will also have some accommodation for homeless people.

We were fortunate to catch a glimpse of a new museum being created upstairs. The museum will hold a vast array of military objects, including a V-1 doodlebug and a Messerschmitt.

The BNTVA has been offered a space to display ephemera in the museum concerning the British nuclear tests, as well as being invited to give educational talks to the public about this forgotten part of history. Please contact the BNTVA on 0208 144 3080 for further information.

The photograph shows David Taunt and John Lax, both BNTVA trustees, who met for the first time on the day of this visit for the first time since 1962, where they were stationed at Christmas Island for Operation Dominic.

From left to right: Ceri McDade, David Taunt, Shelly Grigg, John Lax and Wesley Perriman. 20 campaign Summer 2020

Royal British Legion Garden of Remembrance Remembrance Day, November 2020 Due to COVID-19, there is 25% of last year’s allocation of tickets for the Garden of Remembrance on Thursday, November 8th. We are unsure as to whether the Cenotaph Parade is taking place at the moment. Ron is organising the event, and if you are interested in attending, please let him know on [email protected] by post or call 0208 144 3080.

If you’d like to attend your local cenotaph on Remembrance Day, and would like to order a BNTVA wreath, they cost £18.50 from the Poppy Factory.

Contact details for ordering are [email protected], 020 8940 3305.

BNTVA Conference 2021

Subject to government guidelines, we will hold the next Conference from 7-9 May 2021 in Stratford - upon-Avon.

More information will follow in due course. BNTVA APPEAL 21

Appeal Brian Cole, Christmas Island Veteran, 1957, is looking for attendees of the first meeting of British nuclear test veterans at the Central Hotel. Glasgow, in December, 1983. Brian has kindly sent photos of the newspaper cutting, his original BNTVA membership card and a letter from Ken McGinley.

The original newspaper advert says, “Would anyone who served at Maralinga, Christmas Island, and Monte Bello Island on the British nuclear test programmes in the 50’s, get in touch with me?

John Price, 43 Clarence Street, Primrose, Lancaster”.

If you attended the meeting, or have any information concerning this initial meeting, please get in touch at [email protected]

! 22 campaign Summer 2020

BNTVA Board of Trustees

Ceri McDade Chair/Editor [email protected] Ceri works ad hoc in health research, particularly in Quality Improvement and geriatrics. She is passionate about the patient-clinician relationship, a member of the Patient & Carer Network of the Royal College of Physicians, and Public & Patient Sounding Board for the Genomics Partnership of Wales. Ceri has worked as a Charity Fundraising Officer, a support worker for learning disabilities, mental health issues and complex needs work including specialist women’s refuge work. Her father, Michael Marsh was present at Operations Buffalo and Antler, Maralinga. Mike became Chief Technician - Electronic/Avionics in the RAF and passed away in 1999.

David Taunt Vice Chairman [email protected] As a child, David’s ambitions were to travel, see the world, and be a rally driver. He joined the Royal Navy straight from school, aged 15, in 1958 and trained to be a Mechanical Engineer (Stoker) specialising in large marine diesel engines. He arrived on Christmas Island in September 1961, and, in 1962, witnessed 31 thermo-nuclear bombs at Operation Dominic. After leaving the Royal Navy in 1970, David created the world-famous Silverstone Rally School, which he ran for 25 years until retirement.

John Lax Secretary [email protected] John joined the Royal Air Force in 1960 as an Air Wireless Mechanic, servicing Varsity and Valetta aircraft. He was posted to RAF Christmas Island servicing Hastings aircraft, and took part in Operation Brigadoon /Dominic, where he witnessed the full suite of Nuclear Bomb tests in 1962. John worked on Hastings, Beverlys, Vampires, Jet Provost 3 & 4, Chipmunks and Buccaneers. After leaving the RAF in 1975, John worked for electronics and aerospace companies, and serviced the Sultan of Oman’s Jaguar aircraft. He formed Pegasus 2000 Ltd in 1998, and was made a Freeman of the City of London in 2011. John’s father was in the Army and present at Grapple Z in 1959, so is both a veteran and a descendant. BNTVA TRUSTEES 23

Ron Watson Treasurer [email protected] Ron joined the Army as a boy soldier for the Royal Engineers aged 16, in 1954. He sailed to Christmas Island on New Year’s Eve, 1957, as a Sapper, and worked as a stevedore, and at the main airfield mixing cement. After injuring his foot on the coral, Ron was given an office job, and taught himself to type, then passed typing exams. Ron worked for the Engineer in Chief in the War Office, Whitehall, until he left, aged 40. Since retirement, he organises golf tournaments in Sussex.

Wesley Perriman Curator/Editor [email protected] / [email protected] As an Artist and Curator, Wesley has exhibited across the country. In 2019 he co-curated the "Over the Fence" exhibition at the Peace Museum with Dr Becky Alexis-Martin. The exhibition contained many items belonging to the BNTVA along with items from Maralinga that had belonged to his father Jim Perriman. Jim served in the RAF as a cook for 18 years.

Doug Hern Historian [email protected] Doug, a veteran of Christmas Island, and well-known name within the BNTVA, left the Royal Navy and worked as a signalman on the East Coast Main line, working his way up to cover a number of signal boxes. After this time and the demise of steam, Doug went into engineering, working at Perkins Engine manufacturer in Peterborough, and finished up skippering their test boat in the Wash, at Sutton Bridge. 24 campaign Summer 2020

Shelly Grigg Fallout Descendants’ Group & BNTVA Shop Manager [email protected] Shelly is the daughter of Corporal Roy Grigg - a Christmas Island veteran. Shelly was born in Hanover, Germany. After working for the NAAFI in Northern Ireland for 2 years, and Germany for 10 years, Shelly became the NAAFI Manager. She created and runs the Fallout Descendants’ Group on Facebook and manages the BNTVA Shop.

Andi Jones Montebello Representative [email protected] Andi’s father, Gwynne, served on Operation Mosaic, on the HMS Diana at Montebello in 1956. Andi joined the Rotaract Club of Monmouth in his late twenties, becoming District Vice President and inaugural President of Yate and District Rotaract Club. He was a club level competitor and Marshall in motorsport, and now a rally safety radio operator and safety car driver.

David Bostwick Trustee [email protected] David is an ex-chef turned lorry driver and a real petrolhead, who likes engineering and problem solving. David is the son of Ron Bostwick, who served as a Sapper on Christmas island in 57,58 and 59. David has attended the reunion at Sand Bay and the Remembrance Day parade in London on a few occasions.

John McDade Governance Officer (Non-Voting Trustee) [email protected] John is married to Ceri, and father of three second generation descendants. He has a wealth of experience in the charity sector, where he has worked all of his career. Currently, he works Finance Manager for a Carers’ charity in mid-Wales and for Age Cymru Powys. In his spare time, John is an avid philatelist and writes databases. BNTVA COMPETITION 25

Competition Are you or a member of the British Nuclear Survivor Community you know in need of an electric wheelchair?

The NCCF are looking to gift a new Rascal Powered Wheelchair to a member of our community. All you have to do is write to the editor of Campaign Magazine on [email protected] and tell us how much difference a chair like this would make to your life. We will pick the most deserving application and the NCCF will arrange to have the chair delivered.

Due to the high shipping costs the offer is only open to community members resident on the UK Mainland.

As with all assistance from the NCCF the beneficiaries remain anonymous unless they wish to share their story.

The Rascal P327 XL is a heavy-duty 4 mph Mid-Wheel Drive outdoor/indoor powerchair, with durable full suspension and comfortable cushioned Captain’s seat mounted on a larger base. The P327 XL delivers great performance with its 55Ah batteries contributing to its excellent range, outstanding manoeuvrability and a smooth ride.

Main features: • Flip-up fully adjustable armrests • Full suspension • Swing-away joystick • Convenient joystick charging port • Adjustable Captain’s seat • Flip-up footplate 26 campaign Summer 2020

DNA Genetic Testing Kits A new leaflet from Brunel Centre for Health Effects of Radiological and Chemical Agents (CHRC) Advisory Board.

DNA genetic testing kits DNA genetic testing kits

The rapid development of DNA sequencing technologies which deliver fast, accurate and Table 1: Commercially-available DNA test kits a昀ordable DNA sequence information has made genetic testing much more accessible for individuals than ever thought possible. Name Price Timescale What do they show? This information sheet seeks to summarise what you as individuals can learn from commercially-available DNA kits. We also summarise the ongoing CHRC study analysing 23andMe £79-£149 3-5 weeks Ancestry & traits service and Health & ancestry populations of family trios using whole genome sequence technology. (Saliva Test) service. Health & health service provides information on genetic health risksi, variants associated with DNA genetic test kits developing certain health conditions and, your Commercially available DNA test kits, such as 23andme Inc., use a DNA sample from a customer carrier status for inherited conditions. to determine, in part, their genetic code (DNA sequence) and look for various DNA markers. These markers are speci昀c to the information the DNA genetic test is testing for. For example, there are Easy DNA All-In-One £259 ~4 weeks Provides information on ancestry, health di昀erent markers for ancestral origin and for particular medical conditions. Table 1 details some of Health Testing Package (genetic susceptibility to diseasesii), skin care, the commercially available tests and what they are testing for. (Cheek Swab) sports, personality & traits, and nutrition.

Where can I 昀nd DNA test kits? CRI Genetics $99 (£77.99)- 6-8 weeks Provides information on ancestry, health, allergy, DNA tests are commercially available through online websites (see Table 1). Companies will send out (Cheek Swab) $199 (£156.67 nutrition, vitamin and traits. packs with an explanation for providing a sample. Your DNA is then isolated from the sample you have sent in (cheek swab or saliva/spit sample) and elements of the DNA sequence determined. The results are analysed and a report is sent back to you. AncestryDNA £79 +shipping 6-8 weeks Provides information on genetic ethnicity and (Saliva Test) family history. What do they test for? DNA test kit services can provide information on your individual health and/or ancestry. They can inform on health risks for developing certain conditions and the potential for heritable traits to be passed on to your children. DNA Lifestyle £99-£249.99 2-3 weeks Provides information on 29 nutrition related (Saliva Test) reports, 14 昀tness related reports and 142 Most DNA test kit results will provide a risk estimate for developing a condition. There is no certainty health related reports. Health reports include, chances of high blood that an identi昀ed health issue will happen. A risk estimate provides information on the likelihood you pressure, alcohol addiction, type 1 diabetes, hair will get a health condition compared to the average population. For example, if you have an increase loss and low testosterone. in 3% risk of a speci昀ed health e昀ect, and the current population has a 2% risk, your personal risk is 5%. Which means you have a 1 in 20 chance of developing the condition, but you are far more LivingDNA £49-£179 6-8 weeks Provides information on ancestry, 昀tness and likely to be in the 95% of people (who have the same risk) who do not get this health condition. (Mouth Swab) +shipping nutrition. The information from these tests do not account for other non-inherited factors, such as smoking or Aiding in understanding how genetics interacts unhealthy eating, which can also change your risk of getting certain health conditions. with lifestyle choices.

What are the risks in using a commercially available DNA test kit? Dante Labs 30X Whole $599 (£462.70) 2-8 weeks Provides information on health (predisposition Genome Sequencing to >100 common diseases), reaction to The information provided to you may be mis-leading and could potentially cause needless worry. Premium Test medication, full access to your genomic dataiii, For this reason, genetic testing which seeks to understand heritable risks is only advisable when (Saliva Test) rare disease report, nutrition and scienti昀c accompanied by a genetic counsellor. 昀tness.

The information you receive may be meaningless with respect to particular questions of interest. For i E.g. BRCA1/BRCA2, Celiac Disease, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) De昀ciency, MUTYH-Associated Polyposis, Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease. instance, the results you receive will only relate to the DNA you inherited and your health risks for ii E.g. Glioma, Osteosarcoma, Type1/2 Diabetes, Schizophrenia, Multiple Sclerosis and Coronary Heart Disease. speci昀ed conditions. The results will not provide information on the cause of any mutations. iii Genomic Data is the raw data from sequencing an individual’s genome completely or partially. Genomic Data received from DNA tests, can be utilised by clinicians in diagnosis of patients who are at higher risk of genetic errors resulting in diseases.

CHRC Information Sheet CHRC Information Sheet

DNA genetic testing kits

DNA sequencing for the CHRC Genetic and Cytogenetic Study

How does it di昀er to DNA test kits? For more information visit We are using Next Generation Sequencing techniques to determine the DNA sequence of the entire genome for each member of a family trio (father, mother, biological child). We are doing this for 30 nuclear test veteran families (test population) and 30 veteran families (control population) with no known participation at test sites.

We are then comparing the genomes from the two di昀erent populations to detect any di昀erences or ‘variants’ between them. These di昀erences might be single nucleotide variants (SNVs), variants that are short insertions or deletions (indels), or larger structural DNA variants (SVs), such as gene copy number variants (CNVs).

De novo (newly arising) DNA mutations New DNA mutations contribute to the natural process of DNA variation and arise as a result of DNA damage. DNA damage occurs naturally throughout life and is usually corrected very eciently by DNA repair processes. However, when damaged DNA is not correctly repaired then errors called mutations accumulate within the genome. An excess of DNA mutations can occur when a cell’s response to DNA damage is compromised or overworked, and when a cell is exposed to chemical mutagens or ionising radiation.

A new DNA mutation that arises in a germ cell (egg or sperm) of one of the parents and which is then transmitted to the child or children, or in a fertilized egg cell itself, is called a de novo or newly arising mutation (DNM). Newly arising mutations may or may not be associated with a particular health condition in the child.

In our study we are looking for DNMs that may have arisen in the germline of British nuclear test veterans as a consequence of veterans participating at nuclear bomb test sites. DNMs are DNA variants which are present in the child but not in either of the parents’ own (somatic cell) genomes. Although DNMs induced by ionising radiation may themselves be largely indistinguishable from naturally occurring DNMs, we can look for deviations in the expected number and pattern of DNMs because we are comparing our data to the control family population. Website: www.chrc4veterans.uk Previous work has shown that DNMs arising from exposure to radiation may include more clustered SNVs and more CNVs, and that more DNA mutations may also occur at highly mutable repeat regions compared to the general population. Email: [email protected]

Will this study answer health questions? Our study has been designed to seek out evidence for genetic damage caused by historical participation at test sites. Having a higher level of genetic damage is thought to increase the risk of developing some medical conditions, but this outcome is fortunately not an absolute.

If we were to 昀nd evidence of radiation-related genetic damage in the population of NTVs or in their families, we could not conclude that this was the cause of the range of reported ill health issues. Instead, this 昀nding would direct research where the meaning for health may be explored in much greater detail.

CHRC Information Sheet CHRC Information Sheet BNTVA PUZZLE PAGE 27

Puzzle Page

1 Across 7. Site of Grapple bombs 8. Place of thunder 2 3 9. The test series at Emu Claypan, 1953 10. The Vickers V Bomber

Down 4 1. The Hurricane Islands 2. This ship sailed through the fallout in 1956 5 6 3. The British name for Dominic 4. Minor trials A+B ended in 1963 7 5. This ship attended all the British tests on islands 6. The new name for Christmas

8 9

10

Wordsearch B R I G A D O O N B L E M H N I F F O B Y V A N R O U Y K P G M O S A I C W N R M I L T I A F X P Z A T BRIGADOON EMUFIELD MONTEBELLO RADIATION R X V Y V N U C L E A R E NAVY HURRICANE I A R M Y I F C C N T A B DOMINIC CORAL C L A R O C O Q D N E D E PLYM ARMY A T N T C K U F A E L I L DNA MOSAIC PENNEY AWRE N J M E T O T I A Y P A L RAF BOFFIN E M U F I E L D R R P T O NUCLEAR MARALINGA A G N I L A R A M Q A I F TNT GRAPPLE T A N K V S A N D U R O U ISOTOPE VALIANT NARVIK TOTEM E P O T O S I K B M G N C SAND BRIGADOON EMUFIELD MONTEBELLO RADIATION NAVY HURRICANE DOMINIC CORAL PLYM ARMY 28 exposure Summer 2020

Ways to pay your annual BNTVA membership subscription Set out below are the methods you can use to pay your membership subscription, due 1st of April each year.

You can pay your BNTVA membership in the following ways:

Cheque Payment

Make cheque payable to BNTVA, write your 4 digit membership number on the rear of the cheque and return to: BNTVA, The Smithy, Defynnog, Brecon, Powys LD3 8SB

Direct Debit - ask us for a form!

Email [email protected] or call 0208 144 3080

Direct Payment

Direct payment to BNTVA reference ‘BNTVA Membership’ Sort code: 40-47-31 Account no: 94821238

Join the BNTVA

To join the BNTVA, contact us for a membership application form which contains all the details on paying your membership, or phone 0208 144 3080.

Which membership type is for you?

UK Single Member Electronic £20 UK Single Member Postal £25 UK Family Electronic (partner & dependent children under 18 yrs) £30 UK Family Postal (partner & dependent children under 18 yrs) £35 Overseas Single Member Electronic £20 Overseas Single Member Postal £35 Overseas Family Electronic (partner & dependent children under 18 yrs) £30 Overseas Family Postal (partner & dependent children under 18 yrs) £45

IMPORTANT

If you have been paying by Standing Order YOU MUST CANCEL with your bank. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STANDING ORDER. If you have been paying by PayPal please cancel your payment and use the online payment instead. CWI Fund Making lives better

The Care Wellbeing and Inclusion Fund Making lives better

The NCCF want to reach out to the British Where a person is unable to fund the addressing Nuclear Community to let them and their carers of their suffering then assistance from the NCCF know, that we are here and ready to help with is wholly in line with our charitable purpose. independent living adaptations, respite care and This concept has not changed since day one of innovative measures to improve wellbeing. the fund disbursements.

Wetrooms, Stairlifts, Mobility Scooters, Rise All news and information relating to the Care, Recliner Chairs, Profiling Beds, Orthopaedic Wellbeing and Inclusion Fund can be found at Mattress, Domestic Adaptations and Respite our official news outlet: exposure.press Care Breaks are just some of the types of thing we can provide to alleviate suffering. Make your application today: On-line: https://bhlink.at/CWIFund From the outset, the NCCF has been clear that email: offi[email protected] unlike the majority of ex-service organisations Telephone: 0115 8883442 it does not have a set level of wealth or income over which it stops providing assistance. Or write to: That is what we define as ‘means testing’. NCCF The check we perform is one of ability to PO Box 8244 address suffering. When suffering is identified Castle Donington the measures to alleviate that suffering are DE74 2BY costed, if the individual can easily fund the measures then they have the means to address their own problems, helping them would not be within our charitable purpose. 30 campaign Summer 2020

Contact us This is the only correspondence address and telephone number for the Association. PLEASE NOTE! Our contact details have changed... Thanks to By Post By Telephone our supporters BNTVA 0208 144 3080 The Smithy Defynnog Website Brecon www.bntva.com Powys LD3 8SB

By Email [email protected]

Campaign magazine is published by the BNTVA

Editors Wesley Perriman & Ceri McDade Next issue copy deadline 15 November 2020. Please send material to [email protected] before this date. Thank you.

All contributions for the magazine should be sent to:

Editor BNTVA The Smithy Defynnog Brecon Powys LD3 8SB or emailed to [email protected]

BNTVA is not an anti-nuclear or an anti-war association. All opinions,views and quotations do not represent official BNTVA policy and are the sole responsibility of the writer. Photographs and images – © Copyright of owner acknowledged.

Campaign cannot guarantee total accuracy for any reproduction of letters / articles / transcripts. BNTVA is a Registered Charity Reg. No 1173575 supporting past and present UK Nuclear Test Combined Service Veterans and their families.