A veteran who has spent years campaigning for recognition of the dangerous job they had in the 1950s and 60s is to be honoured.
Colin Moir, from Peterhead, veteran was among a handful of people who saw their own bones shine through their skin as hydrogen and atomic bombs were dropped into the sea for the purpose of nuclear testing.
After years of campaigning Prime Minister Rishi Sunak today confirmed he, along with other veterans, would be honoured for the part they played at nuclear testing sites.
Aged only 18 at the time, it wasn’t until many years later Mr Moir became aware of the risks involved to soldiers who didn’t even have gloves to protect their hands.
Now aged 81, Mr Moir has spent years campaigning for nuclear testing veterans to be honoured for their services.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has agreed to award medals for their unique service 70 years after the first British nuclear test was launched.
Mr Moir believes the moment he gets the medal around his neck will be incredibly emotional.
He said: “I’m delighted, it’ll be very emotional; I’ve got my application ready to post.
“I only wish I’d got it a few weeks ago before Remembrance Sunday because we were all marching and it would’ve made a big difference.”
‘Government finally had to admit it’
Mr Moir stressed that the health impact of the nuclear testing can still be felt today, and it’s taken years for the government to acknowledge this.
“There’s been all kinds of health problems, a lot of people have had cancer and then their descendants have had rare and unexplained illnesses.
“Our health should’ve been looked into years ago on a regular basis to form a database of what can happen to people exposed to low levels of radiation.
“The government have been saying for years there was no risk, and we didn’t qualify for a medal, but I think by continual campaigning, they’ve finally had to admit it.”
‘Should’ve been recognised years ago’
Mr Moir’s campaigning started while David Cameron was Prime Minister between 2010-2016.
“Various groups have been campaigning for years, I started writing letters to David Cameron about it.
“I think most of us had the same idea, we should’ve been recognised years ago, after the test they should’ve awarded us a medal,” he added.
Mr Sunak said in a statement: “I am incredibly proud that we are able to mark the service and dedication of our nuclear test veterans with this new medal.
“Their commitment and service has preserved peace for the past 70 years, and it is only right their contribution to our safety, freedom and way of life is appropriately recognised with this honour.
“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.”
MP for Banff and Buchan, David Duguid said: “This is extremely welcome news for veterans in my constituency, and across the UK who served in the nuclear test programme in the 1950s and 1960s.
“The service of those veterans who served in the nuclear testing programme cannot be understated and so it is right that they are being properly recognised.”
Conversation