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Moulton campaigner pleased that nuclear test veterans will finally get a medal - but frustrated it took government so long




A campaigner has hailed the fact that nuclear test veterans will finally get a medal to recognise their service - but is still frustrated it took so long.

Douglas Hern (86), of Moulton, has fought for decades to try to get justice and respect for the men who, like him, witnessed devastating atomic tests first hand.

On Monday, veterans were told they will be awarded The Nuclear Test Medal as the nation marks 70 years since Britain’s first atomic test, a landmark dubbed the Plutonium Jubilee by campaigners.

Douglas Hern a nuclear test veteran from Moulton. (55716766)
Douglas Hern a nuclear test veteran from Moulton. (55716766)

Mr Hern suffered a string of health issues after witnessing five thermonuclear explosions off Christmas Island in the 1950s - and also suffered the tragedy of seeing his 13-year-old daughter die of a rare cancer.

Speaking of the medal news, he said: “The long wait has tempered the celebration of it but I certainly welcome it.

“I am pleased for the guys and I am pleased for the families.

“I shall be forever grateful for the team that has eventually had this success. They have done exceedingly well. I can’t thank them enough.”

However, the news was bittersweet given that it has take a long fight to get this far - and issues such as pensions and the release of medical records remain.

Many men feel they were ignored and left to deal with devastating health impacts on them and their families and that the medal does not take this away.

Mr Hern said: “The intolerable impact on life that was imposed on us veterans and our families - this doesn’t get anywhere near that.”

He added: “Nobody brought the misery back to their families that we brought back to ours.”

The medal success comes after a campaign spearheaded by Daily Mirror journalist Susie Boniface with support from Labrats International, which was founded by former Pinchbeck resident Alan Owen.

MP Sir John Hayes is patron of the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association and took up the cause after being lobbied by Mr Hern.

Sir John said: “This is a momentous moment, the culmination of a journey which began in the 1950s as over 22,000 servicemen heralded the dawn of Britain’s nuclear age.”

Sir John has raised the matter in Parliament several times - including last week.

He added: “That the medal can be awarded posthumously pays a fitting tribute to all those who we have lost, and shows those veterans with us that Britain recognises its heroes.”

At an emotional commemoration event at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak thanked veterans for their service.

In a statement, he said: “This medal is an enduring symbol of our country’s gratitude to each and every person who played a part in this effort and their loved ones who supported them.”

The first medals are due to be issued next year.



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