Nuclear test veteran is the first to hold new medal fresh off the production line
A nuclear test veteran joined Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer to see the first Nuclear Test Medals start rolling off the production line.
Veteran John Robinson visited Worcestershire Medal Services in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where the medals are being made, ahead of receiving his own later this year.
Mr Robinson and Mr Mercer got to see first hand how the awards, which are to be given to test veterans who participated in Great Britain’s nuclear weapon testing programme, are entering the production phase.
Former Squadron Leader Robinson, a nuclear test veteran who flew Canberra sampling aircraft on Operations Mosaic, Buffalo, Grapple and Antler, said: "The news that I will be presented with a medal for my role in the Nuclear Testing means a lot to me and I have been keenly anticipating the arrival since the Prime Minister's announcement last year.
"I will proudly accept this medal on behalf of my co-members of 76 Squadron RAF, aircrew, and ground crew, who are sadly no longer with us to receive the acknowledgement themselves.
"I am very much looking forward to receiving my medal later this year and enjoyed seeing the first medals in production alongside the minister today."
In November 2022, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that military, civilian, and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain's nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s would have their service recognised with the medal.
The Government has said that the medals will be ready in time for the Remembrance Sunday parades.
The announcement came 70 years after the first British test of a nuclear weapon.
The medal's design features an atom surrounded by olive branches and with the words "Nuclear Test Medal" underneath. The obverse will bear an effigy of His Majesty the King.
Mr Mercer MP said: "It is only right that we recognise the sacrifices of our Nuclear Test Veterans.
"It was fantastic to see first-hand the progress made to ensure that as many veterans as possible can proudly wear their medal on Remembrance Sunday."
The medal will recognise the contribution made by veterans and civilian staff from across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Kiribati and include scientists and local employees.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: "From the inception to the launch of this medal, defence has been focused on ensuring that this important group of veterans and their crucial work is recognised.
"I am delighted that this medal acknowledges their vital contribution to keeping our nation safe."
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