John Harrison -Broadley RAF WW2 veteran......Christmas Island H Bomb Tests 1957/8

Discussion in 'Postwar' started by Harry Ree, Nov 1, 2017.

  1. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    History revisited.....the British H Bomb Tests at Christmas Island in 1957 and 1958 and the involvement of one individual.A number of ex servicemen it would appear have suffered from the effects of being involved in these tests.I have a friend,ex army who was there as a "compulsory" witness developed skin cancer over one eyebrow about 10 years ago and had it successfully removed.For some ground tests, army personnel were required to witness the tests from what was regarded as a safe distance on a "look away,now look" procedure.

    It would appear that Harrison -Broadley may have been left with some after effects associated with exposure in the vicinity of nuclear explosions....other veterans have made similar claims.

    I think that Harrison- Broadley may have been involved in flying No 76 Squadron Canberras, at Hemswell from 1 April 1957 and detached from Hemswell for the purpose of collecting air samples after H Bomb detonations.

    The RAF pilot who flew through nuclear mushroom clouds 48 times

    Operation Grapple - Wikipedia
     
  2. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    Not too certain of what is offered to British ex-service personnel but all Australian personnel involved in such tests are eligible for Gold Card treatment.

    This is pretty much the best care that can be offered -

    Your Gold Card identifies you as being eligible for treatment and care for all your health care conditions at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) expense.

    You should present your Gold Card whenever you visit:

    • a doctor, medical specialist, dentist, pharmacist, dental prosthetist, optometrist or other health care professional who provides services under DVA arrangements; or
    • a hospital or day procedure facility.


    British Nuclear Tests and British Commonwealth Occupation Force | Department of Veterans' Affairs
     
  3. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    Thanks for the information Dave......British Nuclear Test veterans seem not to have the same treatment,if any.

    British veterans have the BNTVA....British Nuclear Test Veterans Association but I do not think that there have made any inroads into resolving this grievance. I have given your link to the BNTVA.

    No doubt they would be interested in the Australian government attitude to their veterans if they do not know already.

    I would add that British veterans with medical issues have the NHS for treatment whereas in Australia you generally have the health insurance model.I think the British veterans have been pursuing financial compensation.
     
  4. lionboxer

    lionboxer Member

    A family friend was in the Royal Engineers driving bulldozers on Christmas Island at this time. He spoke of sitting there in dark glasses watching the tests. He also spoke of the very large crabs there too!
    As far as I know he has suffered no ill effects and has led a busy and sporting life to this day.
    Lionboxer
     

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