'Pride is the only feeling': First nuclear test veterans to receive medals wear them in public for first time
The first veterans to receive the new Nuclear Test Medal have worn it in public for the first time.
A service was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to mark National Atomic Veterans Awareness Day.
Around 50 veterans, families and descendants attended on Sunday to remember those servicemen lost, and those who had already received their medals, wore them with pride.
It has been more than 70 years since the UK successfully tested its first atomic bomb. The tests involved 22,000 servicemen and for many years they have fought for recognition of the part they played in the form of a medal.
Finally, in November 2022, it was granted.
The medal's design features an atom surrounded by olive branches, with the words 'Nuclear Test Medal' underneath. The obverse bears an image of His Majesty the King.
'Wearing it for all those who unfortunately can't wear it'
"It's very smart and very shiny," nuclear test veteran and former RAF cook Dick Bridges told Forces News.
The veteran said he felt so much "pride" when he opened his medal.
He said: "Well, I was with Linda (his wife), and I waited until we were both doing it together. And we opened it up and there it was.
"It's funny really, but I think pride is the only word I can think of. Just pride.
"[I'm] wearing it for all those who unfortunately can't wear it. I will wear it on every occasion I possibly can, I really will."
However, while many consider the issuing of the medals a victory, feelings about the way the veterans have been treated remain mixed.
'At last they've been recognised for what they've done'
Shirley Cleal, the widow of nuclear test veteran and Leading Steward Michael Cleal, said the remembrance event was "wonderful, but sad".
"It brings it home to me," she said.
Shirley and her husband were married for 64 years, but he died three years ago and Shirley is yet to receive his medal.
When asked about the importance of the medal she said: "(It's) very, very important – at last they've been recognised for what they've done and how they've been treated. Very badly.
"It's taken a long time – a hell of a long time to get them recognised."
Shirley believes not enough people know what the nuclear test veterans did.
"I think the Government should have done a lot more than they have done. And I think they should let the world know how they treated their servicemen."
'I was made a prisoner'
Nuclear test veteran and former Leading Aircraftman Peter Barnard said: "I remember the flash – everything was bright. It was hot.
"We just lay down and waited for the blast. Nobody really knew what was going to happen, did they?"
When Mr Barnard was asked how he felt about the medal recognition, he said: "They can keep it. I don't want it," adding that he felt he "was made a prisoner" after the testing.
"I regret it because I've suffered all my life, with itching. Sometimes, you think there's something crawling over you, like a fly. I don't know what it is. Nobody knows."
He added: "I'm thinking about all the people that's died and the wives left without anything."
What's next?
Research has been carried out to investigate the effect on the health of the veterans who took part, but records and evidence are lacking and it is hard to prove the harm exposure may have caused.
One group of veterans has just begun a lawsuit against the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for withholding medical records.
In the meantime, the medals are being posted out to veterans' homes, starting with the oldest first. It is hoped most will arrive in time for this year's Remembrance Sunday on 12 November.
Veterans, civilian staff and next of kin can apply for a medal free of charge and it will also be awarded posthumously.
Full eligibility to receive a Nuclear Test Medal can be found here.
Applications for the medal can be submitted by completing the Ministry of Defence medal form.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
