By Ron Gillinder
PEACHESTER resident and former member of the New Zealand Navy, Jeff Bodley, was recently awarded a Nuclear Test Medal from the British Government to recognise the significant contribution from UK service, civilians and overseas staff who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s.
Recipients served in locations where the UK atmospheric tests were conducted, including preparatory and clear-up phases, between 1952 and 1967. Jeff recalls he stood on the deck of their ship wearing very heavy protective glasses and was told to turn his back on the nuclear explosion some distance away. Jeff said the crew and the ship felt the significant effect of the nuclear explosion.
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