The Untold Story of British Nuclear Test Veterans
John Morris, now 86, is one of the last surviving veterans of the UK’s nuclear bomb tests, a group of 22,000 personnel who witnessed military nuclear experiments in the 1950s. These veterans believe they were subjected to dangerous radiation exposure without proper protection or acknowledgment of the potential health consequences.
Morris’s personal story is particularly heartbreaking. He believes the radiation he was exposed to during Operation Grapple led to the death of his first child, Steven, who died at just four months old in 1962. Despite the death certificate listing pneumonia as the cause, Morris firmly believes the military’s nuclear experiments were responsible.
The veterans have been fighting for recognition and compensation for decades. Thousands have suffered from cancers and health conditions that they believe are directly linked to their exposure to nuclear radiation. However, the UK government has paid no compensation and maintains that no direct link exists between the tests and subsequent health issues.
A recent BBC documentary reveals new evidence that suggests the military may have been aware of potential health risks. The “Gledhill memo” from 1958 shows blood tests were conducted on personnel, indicating potential health irregularities. Additionally, 4,000 pages of recently declassified documents from the Atomic Weapons Establishment suggest there were standing orders for repeated blood and urine tests of military personnel.
Suspiciously, many veterans’ medical records have gaps corresponding to their time at nuclear test sites. Some veterans have discovered evidence suggesting deliberate destruction of medical records, including a 1959 document referencing a “special directive” for “prompt disposal” of materials.
The veterans are now seeking answers and potential compensation. They have proposed a time-limited tribunal to investigate their claims and are appealing to Sir Keir Starmer to help them. In 2019, the Labour Party had pledged £50,000 for each surviving veteran, but this promise was not included in their 2024 manifesto.
The Ministry of Defence claims to be “looking hard” at the veterans’ concerns and recognizes their contribution. However, they maintain that research has found no link between nuclear tests and subsequent health issues.
Veterans like John Folkes, who was ordered to fly through atomic bomb mushroom clouds at age 19, continue to suffer from the psychological and physical impacts of their experiences. Folkes describes feeling like he was “microwaved” and believes he has been “shamefully betrayed” by the government.
The veterans hope that the proposed “Hillsborough law,” which would require public officials to be transparent about potential cover-ups, might help them uncover the truth about their experiences.
The documentary “Britain’s Nuclear Bomb Scandal” aims to shed light on these veterans’ experiences and their ongoing quest for justice and recognition.
