WHEN long-standing Wokingham resident, Terry Wilkinson, mentioned to Wokingham Today’s publisher, David Riley, that he had been at the British nuclear tests on Christmas Island in the 1950’s it was just a chance conversation and he was not expecting anything to come of it.
However, after some research, David discovered that Terry, 90, was entitled to a medal for his service.
As a result of this, on Monday, October 7, Terry was awarded his Nuclear Test Veterans Medal by Wokingham Town’s Mayor, Rob Comber.
The presentation took place at a lunch held for a small group of Terry’s friends at The Stables Restaurant in Cantley Park.
The Mayor read out the citation: ‘Presented to you in recognition of your significant contribution to Britain’s nuclear test programmes’.
He went on to say: “It is a pleasure for me to present this medal to Terry as part of my Mayoral duties, and a real honour to present an award to someone who has contributed to his country and his community”.
In the 1950’s Britain, seeking to make progress in the nuclear ‘race’, sent around 22,000 servicemen to nuclear test sites, mainly in the Pacific.
Exposed to radiation, (according to the British Nuclear Test Veterans Association) many died early of cancer and other illnesses, and children were born with unexplained illnesses and deformities.
Wokingham.Today understands that while the governments of China, Russia, France and the US have all paid compensation to test veterans, Britain alone among key nuclear nations has failed to do so.
Terry, a Wokingham resident for 63 years, is still running his structural engineering design firm from offices in Peach Street.
After receiving the award, he said: “I was doing my National Service in the RAF when I took part in Operation Grapple on the Christmas Islands in 1957.
“After all these years I was astonished when David told me that I might be entitled to a medal.
“I am very honoured to be receiving it today from the town’s Mayor.”
For more information, visit: bntva.com
