Nuclear veterans who participated in dangerous missions amidst radiation clouds in the Pacific are set to receive recognition through a new medal.
In a move to honor their service, a large group of veterans who monitored and documented significant nuclear explosions by France and China in the Pacific region for the Royal Air Force and Royal Fleet Auxiliary will now be acknowledged.
Previously excluded from eligibility for the nuclear test medal due to stricter criteria imposed by the previous Tory government, these individuals are now being rightfully honored for their vital contributions, as stated by Defence Secretary John Healey.
The introduction of the nuclear test medal in 2023, following a successful campaign by the Mirror, has already seen around 6,000 medals awarded to veterans who participated in British bomb tests in Australia and Christmas Island from 1952 to 1967.
Now, civilian crews from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary who observed explosions at sea, along with RAF crews involved in intelligence-gathering missions during French tests until 1974 and Chinese tests until 1980, will also be eligible for this prestigious medal.
Many of these veterans have reported health issues, including cancer, believed to be linked to radiation exposure during their service. The story of John Cammish, a ground crew chief with RAF’s photographic reconnaissance 543 Squadron who passed away in 2020 due to cancer related to radiation exposure, exemplifies the sacrifices made by these individuals.
The decision to expand recognition to more nuclear veterans fulfills a promise by the Labour government and is a result of dedicated efforts, with the Mirror playing a crucial role in advocating for these heroes.
Despite the positive development, some veterans have declined to accept the medal, citing concerns about exclusion of certain comrades who were exposed to radiation while maintaining contaminated aircraft upon their return to the UK. Colin Duncan, an RAF ground crew member, has been a vocal advocate for extending the medal’s eligibility and upgrading it to a full military honor.
As debates continue around the eligibility criteria and timing of the medal announcement, the Mirror remains committed to seeking justice for all victims of the Nuked Blood Scandal, shedding light on hidden blood tests and advocating for a comprehensive study of all veterans involved in nuclear tests.