Nuclear test veterans given medals 65 years after H-bomb blast

14 January 2024 , 21:36

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Three nuclear test veterans were given a medal 65 years after their service on Christmas Island (Image: KMG / SWNS)

Three nuclear test veterans have been awarded their medal for their service during the H-bomb explosions 65 years ago.

Terry Quinlan, 84, Ian Kury, 86, and Ray Porter, 88, were on Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean for the blasts in the late 1950s as Britain was developing its nuclear deterrent.

While two of them suffered no ill effects, Terry had cancer in his 20s. He was successfully treated but has been plagued with health problems.

Many veterans of the blasts died early due to illness caused by their exposure to radiation.

The Nuclear Test Medal to honour those involved in the tests was finally established in 2022 after a long Mirror campaign.

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Medal campaigner Terry said: “Too many of my colleagues suffered and died well before their time. At last there is some recognition.”

The troops had no protective gear and were not warned about radiation sickness.

Terry, who served with the Royal Army Service Corps, said that when the flash came, he could see the bones in his hands like in an X-ray.

The new Nuclear Test Medal (KMG / SWNS)

Ian, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, said: “We were told to sit with our backs towards the blast... It was one hell of an explosion.”

Ray, of the Royal Engineers, said: “The blast... knocked us head over heels, even though [it was] 30 miles away.”

James Lark, the mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, presented the medals at the council’s HQ in Kings Hill, Kent.

He was joined by local MP Tom Tugendhat, and councillors Steve Hammond and Dave Davis.

Adam Aspinall