Memorials to Britain’s nuclear test veterans are being unveiled in Peterborough
It's commemorating those who lost their lives or are still suffering as a result of the testing programme
Last updated 19th Oct 2024
Two new memorials have been installed in Central Park and are being unveiled in Peterborough today (Sat 19th October) for Britain’s nuclear test veterans.
'I am delighted, proud and humbled'
It commemorates those who lost their lives or are still suffering as a result of Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 60s.
A celebration event is taking place from 12pm until 2pm, with Peterborough Mayor Councillor Marco Cereste officially unveiling the memorials.
Among the attendees will be Councillor Alan Dowson, who was exposed to nuclear testing whilst stationed as a 19-year-old serviceman in the Pacific in 1958.
'We had no children and that's the real penalty you pay'
Councillor Dowson, who suffered physical ailments as a result, was awarded a Nuclear Test Medal by the government earlier this year and has previously campaigned for recognition for nuclear veterans.
He said:
"As 18-19 year old men we came back not knowing that later on in life we would be affected."
"A lot of people couldn't have children. We had no children and that's the real penalty you pay."
"Because you have no children and your partner dies, you are left alone without children to support you or accompany you."
"I've got a touch of cancer on my back. It's from where we sat on the beach in our shirts and that was the only protection we had."
"It's a celebration that Peterborough is saying thank you to us and recognises us."
'I am delighted, proud and humbled by these two new memorials and the work the council has done to get them installed in Central Park.
'As far as I'm aware no other council has commemorated nuclear veterans, so we are setting a poignant precedent here in Peterborough.'
'It is vitally important to remember those who served their countries. There are not many nuclear veterans left - only 13 or 14 in East Anglia.'
It is believed these Peterborough memorials are the first of their kind in the country.
The plaque was supported by the LABRATS group, who campaign for recognition for nuclear survivors.
Work to complete the second memorial is currently being finalised and this will consist of two stone plinths in the park’s wreath laying area, displaying wording dedicated to deceased nuclear veterans and those who suffered injuries serving their country.
Existing military memorials in Central Park were also refurbished as part of the project.
Councillor Katy Cole, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, who has helped to organise the celebration event, said:
“The memorials are about recognising those who gave their lives as part of the nuclear testing programme, as well as those who suffered for years afterwards, having served their countries."
“We would urge everyone to come along to the celebration event, which promises to be a poignant occasion."
"Several veterans and current members of the military will be attending and the Willow Cafe have kindly offered to cook a meal and refreshments for the veterans.”