Legal News

Servicemen who were exposed to radiation after serving in the South Pacific and Australia in the 1950s and 1960s are hoping that a 40-minute film called Nobody told us Anything will highlight their plight after suffering radiation poisoning.

The South Pacific and Australia were sites for nuclear testing during the 1950s and 1960s.

Veterans took part in the tests without being aware of the risks of radiation poisoning. It is thought that around 22,000 service personnel were ordered to watch nuclear and hydrogen bombs exploding, without being aware of the potential risks of radiation poisoning.

Some of the servicemen were also ordered to collect dust samples after the bomb tests, without being issued with any protective equipment or clothing.

Online publisher EDP24 reports that film was screened on Wednesday (25/06/14) at an event hosted by the British Nuclear Test Veterans’ Association (BNTVA) and the MP who is campaigning for recognition of the suffering of the servicemen, John Baron.

The servicemen affected by radiation poisoning are hoping that their film will highlight the issues they are facing – and will help secure a £25 million fund to help them and their families in the future.

Gordon Wilcox – a 76-year-old grandfather-of-four – features in the film and was sent to Christmas Island in 1957 at the age of 20.

Mr Wilcox said:

“A lot of veterans and their families were affected very soon after the tests. Touch wood, at the moment I’m okay.

“Our concern is long-term – and the fact that radiation does affect chromosomes and genes and the effects can last for 10 generations.

“The film has passed the message on to MPs – and we hope a fund will be set up to cover health cover requirements for veterans and their families.”

However, another serviceman has spoken out about how his children and grandchildren have already suffered genetic defects. David Freeman said that he fears his family may continue to suffer birth defects for generations – although the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has denied any link to radiation exposure during the 1950s/1960s nuclear tests, Mr Freeman says.

Prime Minister David Cameron has already agreed to ask “further questions” within government to ascertain whether anything can be done to help those who appear to have been affected by Britain’s H-bomb tests.

The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association was set up in 1983 to offer advice and support to servicemen affected by the nuclear bomb tests in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as their children and grandchildren.

Earlier in 2014, The Sunday Mirror launched a campaign to support survivors of the bomb tests and their families. The Mirror reports the children of servicemen who witnessed the atomic and hydrogen bomb tests are 10 times more likely to have a birth defect.

Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – Claims Against the MoD

Duncan Lewis is a specialist firm of personal injury solicitors offering advice to servicemen and women on Claims Against the MoD for physical or psychological injuries sustained as a result of MoD negligence in live combat, during training or with special forces units.

Military injury claimants usually have three years in which to make a no win no fee personal injury claim either through the civil courts or under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

Duncan Lewis can also advise on making a no win no fee compensation claim for historic injuries sustained in live combat or during training – including Physical and Sexual Abuse Claims and Serious Injury Claims.

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors also advise on Fatal Injury Claims if a loved one in the Armed Forces has died as a result of negligence (eg faulty or inadequate equipment, command failure, poor medical care).

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Claims Against the MoD, contact Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 020 7923 4020.