Dorset widow awarded military medal on late husband's behalf
84 year old Joan Barrett's had some help from Citizens Advice
A Dorset widow's received a posthumous military medal on her late husband's behalf.
84 year old Joan Barrett from West Moors had support from Citizens Advice to successfully claim the Christmas Island medal.
She initially went to the charity's Advice Bus, and got chatting to a staff member.
Tracey Brightman, Outreach Adviser, Citizens Advice in East Dorset & Purbeck, said:
“Joan initially came to us for general help and we got chatting about her late husband and how he’d served on Christmas Island. I had heard how Christmas Island medals have been awarded to veterans and how people can apply posthumously, so helped Joan with the application.”
Joan Barrett said:
“I can’t thank Tracey enough for helping me. I’m really proud to now have this medal. I will definitely wear it to the West Moors Armistice Parade this year with pride!”
Joan’s late husband, Reginald Barrett, served with the Royal Engineers as part of his National Service in 1955-1957 and was posted to Christmas Island.
The Nuclear Test Medal is the first to have been awarded by King Charles - announced by the Prime Minister in November 2022.
It's in recognition of the significant contribution of military, civilian and overseas staff and personnel who participated in nuclear testing programmes in the 1950s and 1960s.