Nuclear test heroes to get their medals next month - in the post

01 September 2023 , 17:21

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Issuing of medals will begin next month

Britain's nuclear heroes will start receiving their medals next month - with still no word on whether they will be presented by the King.

The men – used as guinea pigs during nuclear bomb tests during the Cold War – have fought for years to win recognition. Many say their health and that of their families was wrecked by radiation.

Now more than 2,200 veterans and next-of-kin have applied for the gong, but after nine months of asking for a palace ceremony their hopes for a Royal seal of approval are fading.

Veteran Bryan Jarvis, of Ferndown, Dorset, said: "I am extremely disappointed. Considering that many of my close pals have long since passed away, the inexcusable delay appears highly disrespectful to say the least. It also suggests a total lack of appreciation and understanding of our involvement in what has guaranteed safety in Europe since the Second World War."

Medals might not be presented by the King (Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock)

Within a week of the medal announcement last November, campaigners had asked Cabinet Office officials, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer, and Buckingham Palace for a special event to be arranged, as the veterans had waited 70 years for recognition and deserved "to be made a fuss of".

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A friend of King Charles even let it be known that not only was the monarch "delighted" to agree to the medal - the first of his reign - but that he was leaving space in his diary for a shindig at the palace.

The Mirror reported in January that he wanted an "investiture-type" ceremony in April, but it was being held up by delays in the production of the medal.

After the Ministry of Defence was accused of a go-slow to avoid the medal being worn a the Cenotaph, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer insisted "they will be on chests in time for Remembrance". The design was approved over the summer and the first medals rolled off the production line last week. Now those who have applied have been told it will be sent next month in the post.

Emails have been sent out to applicants saying: "We are expecting stock to be provided by our suppliers in October, so will be sending them out as soon as possible once these are received. Medals will be sent by registered post to the home addresses provided."

Alan Owen, who founded the campaign group Labrats which led calls for the medal, said: "We've had half a dozen meetings with the Office of Veterans Affairs, and at each one I've asked about the ceremony. In August they told us they were 'exploring' the idea.

"I suspect that either they've left it too late to formally ask the King, or someone in government has decided they don't want him photographed with veterans who have spent 70 years fighting for truth and justice."

Susie Boniface