RAF Veteran Finally Receives Nuclear Test Medal After 62 Years of Waiting
An RAF veteran from West Norfolk recently received a long-awaited Nuclear Test Medal, an honor he had been waiting for 62 years. Brian Lorraine, now 84 years old, served as an RAF steward and was stationed just outside Bath before being sent to Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean in 1959. The island had been used for atomic bomb detonations, making it a potentially radioactive area.
The Nuclear Test Medal is awarded to individuals who served in nuclear testing grounds between 1952 and 1967, including scientists, civilians, and next of kin, regardless of whether they witnessed a detonation. Brian’s medal arrived via post last Tuesday, along with a small veteran lapel badge and certificates of authentication for both.
Reflecting on his time on Christmas Island, Brian admitted that it was a bittersweet moment for him. He recalled living in canvas shelters initially but eventually seeing a village being built as things started to come together. Despite the desolate and scarred areas caused by the bomb detonations, Brian and his peers managed to find their own entertainment amidst the vast open fields.
Between the 1950s and 1960s, around 40,000 British personnel were involved in testing 45 atom and hydrogen bombs on Christmas Island as well as other locations such as Monte Bello Island, Emu Field, and Maralinga in Australia. Radioactivity can still be detected on Christmas Island today.
Although the UK Government has previously denied any knowledge of the risks associated with radioactivity during the testing period, a significant number of veterans later experienced health complications. Brian himself has suffered health effects but acknowledges that others have had it worse, with their children or even grandchildren being born with deformities, cancers, or tumors. Unfortunately, proving the link between radiation exposure and these health issues is challenging and costly.
It has been a long-awaited recognition for the veterans who served at the testing sites, as it took 70 years since the first British nuclear test to finally award them medals. Sadly, out of the initial 40,000 participants, only around 2,000 are still alive today.
Brian expressed both happiness and sadness upon receiving his medal. While grateful for the recognition, he emphasizes the need for the government to acknowledge the impact of radiation on their lives. The government had initially refused calls for official recognition, stating that participation in the tests fell outside the criteria for medallic recognition. However, in November last year, the Prime Minister announced the creation of the Nuclear Test Medal to honor those who contributed to the safety and security of the UK.
Campaigners like LABRATS continue to fight for justice, advocating for their families and friends who have suffered the consequences of radiation exposure. Despite the challenges they face, they remain determined to seek acknowledgment and compensation for the affected individuals.
In conclusion, the long-awaited Nuclear Test Medal has finally been awarded to RAF veteran Brian Lorraine, who served on Christmas Island over six decades ago. While the recognition is appreciated, there is still much work to be done in acknowledging the impact of radiation exposure and supporting those affected by the tests. The efforts of organizations like LABRATS continue to champion the cause for justice and compensation.
