Janice R. Andrews
In the aftermath of Britain’s post-war nuclear weapons program lies a story of pain, neglect, and enduring trauma. For decades, the veterans who were exposed to atomic and hydrogen bomb tests in the 1950s and 1960s have lived with lasting health consequences, while their sacrifices went largely ignored. Now, these veterans are speaking out, shining a light on the consequences of Britain’s nuclear tests and the long-running scandal that has plagued the nation for more than six decades.
Britain Joins the Nuclear Powers: A Price Paid
On October 3, 1952, Britain detonated its first nuclear bomb in the South Pacific, marking its entry into the exclusive club of nuclear powers, alongside the United States and the Soviet Union. This first test, codenamed Operation Hurricane, took place off Trimouille Island, near Australia, and produced a blast that traveled at 600 mph, with a mushroom cloud rising 10,000 feet into the sky.
Over the next decade, Britain conducted 45 nuclear tests, including atomic and hydrogen bomb detonations, across the Australian Outback and the Pacific. While these tests helped solidify Britain’s military standing, they also left behind a legacy of environmental destruction and human suffering.
The Human Cost: Survivors Speak Out
The men who participated in these tests, often referred to as “guinea pigs,” were not given protective gear or adequate safety training. Their stories offer a chilling look at the physical and emotional toll these tests took on their lives.
Brian Unthank: Witness to Destruction
Brian Unthank, 86, a former RAF cook, was just miles away when two hydrogen bombs were detonated. “There was this humungous ball of fire boiling up into the sky,” he recalls. The intense radiation exposure left him with severe health issues, including the loss of all his teeth and persistent gastrointestinal problems. His wife, too, suffered the consequences, having 13 late-term miscarriages, which they attribute to the radiation.
John Morris: A Father’s Tragedy
John Morris, another 86-year-old veteran, describes feeling as though his body was burning during the bomb blast. In the aftermath, his family was struck by further heartbreak when his infant son died from underdeveloped lungs, likely caused by radiation exposure.
John Folkes: A Close Call
John Folkes, 89, a ground crew member, was forced to fly through nuclear mushroom clouds to collect samples. Despite the lack of protective clothing, he endured the intense radiation and later developed permanent shaking in his hands, alongside post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). “We were more or less upside down, climbing away from the bomb,” he says, reflecting on the near-disaster.
Archie Hart: The Fallout Ship
Archie Hart, 87, was aboard HMS Diana in 1956, a ship sent to sail through radioactive fallout to assess its effects. For eight hours at a time, the crew endured exposure to ionizing radiation. Today, Hart suffers from over 150 lipomas and had to undergo bowel surgery in his 60s to treat cancer, which he believes was caused by radiation.
Environmental Devastation
The nuclear tests didn’t just harm those involved. The areas where the tests took place, including the Australian Outback and Pacific coral islands, were left severely contaminated. These regions remain some of the most polluted on Earth due to the bomb blasts and radioactive fallout.
Lack of Accountability
While other nuclear powers, such as the United States, France, and Russia, have acknowledged the damage caused by their nuclear tests and provided compensation to affected veterans, Britain has not taken similar steps. Veterans have struggled for decades to gain recognition and compensation for the harm they endured.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has repeatedly denied veterans access to their medical records, and crucial information has been withheld. In 2022, the Mirror revealed documents discussing blood tests taken during the experiments, but the government has not accepted responsibility for the health impacts of the tests.
Political Support and Promises for Action
In recent years, there has been growing political support for these veterans’ campaign. In 2021, Labour leader Keir Starmer stated, “The country owes a huge debt of honour to these veterans.” Defence Secretary John Healey has also pledged to rectify the injustice, promising to address the recognition and compensation that has been denied.
The MoD has since stated it is committed to reconsidering the criteria for the Nuclear Test Medal, a symbolic gesture toward acknowledging the veterans’ service. However, many veterans believe these actions are insufficient and demand full accountability.
A Legacy of Pain and Silence
The stories shared by these veterans, as revealed in the BBC documentary Britain’s Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story, expose the lasting human and environmental cost of the UK’s nuclear ambitions. They also highlight the resilience of these men, who have fought for decades to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.
Their experiences remind us of the ethical responsibilities that accompany military and scientific advancements. Their trauma must not be ignored or swept under the rug.
Moving Forward: A Call for Justice
As the UK reflects on its nuclear history, the veterans’ demands for transparency, access to medical records, and fair compensation remain urgent. These men, who were exposed to dangers in the name of national security, deserve recognition and justice for their suffering.
The government’s response to these calls will shape the legacy of Britain’s nuclear testing program and set a precedent for how such injustices are handled in the future. The need for accountability and support for these veterans is clear—only then can the nation begin to make amends for the damage caused by its nuclear weapons tests.
For the survivors, the fight for justice continues, and their stories serve as a crucial reminder of the human cost of Britain’s nuclear ambitions.
