Nuclear veterans who bravely participated in dangerous missions amid radioactive fallout in the Pacific are set to receive a special medal in their honor.
A large number of veterans who monitored and captured images of significant French and Chinese nuclear detonations in the Pacific while serving in the Royal Air Force and Royal Fleet Auxiliary will now be recognized.
Previously, these individuals were excluded from receiving the nuclear test medal due to stricter guidelines imposed by the previous government. However, Defense Secretary John Healey expressed gratitude towards these veterans for their role in establishing the country’s security and freedoms.
The introduction of the nuclear test medal in 2023, following a successful Mirror campaign, has seen nearly 6,000 medals awarded to veterans involved in British bomb tests in Australia and Christmas Island between 1952 and 1967.
Now, civilian crews from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary who monitored explosions at sea, along with RAF crews engaged in intelligence-gathering during French tests until 1974 and Chinese tests until 1980, will also be eligible for this recognition.
Many veterans have claimed to have suffered from radiation exposure, leading to cancer development, as well as reported instances of birth defects in their descendants. One such veteran, John Cammish, who served as the ground crew chief for a reconnaissance squadron, passed away in 2020 from cancer related to radiation exposure.
The move to extend the Medal for Heroes to more nuclear veterans fulfills a promise made by the Labour party, and has been a result of a dedicated campaign supported by the Mirror. Despite the recognition, concerns remain among some veterans who believe that certain conditions for eligibility still exclude deserving individuals, such as those who maintained contaminated aircraft upon their return to the UK.
The Mirror continues to advocate for justice for victims of the Nuked Blood Scandal, revealing how nuclear veterans were unknowingly subjected to radiation experiments. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that all veterans involved in foreign tests receive proper acknowledgment and support.