Atomic Airfields

Uncovering the Hidden History of Britain’s Nuclear Test Program

The BNTVA Museum has embarked on an ambitious new project. Partnering with other members of the Cold War Network, it will delve into the history of the airfields that played a crucial role in Britain’s nuclear test program.

A Comprehensive Exploration
Our research team is dedicated to uncovering the stories behind these airfields, from their construction, activities during the tests and their subsequent history. We’re gathering information from various sources, including maps, images, and personal accounts, to create a comprehensive and engaging exhibit.

Your Contribution Matters
We believe we’ve identified all the airfields involved, but we welcome any additional information or insights you may have. Your knowledge could be the missing piece of the puzzle. Please let us know if you know of any airfields we’ve missed.

Sharing the Story
The research findings will be shared through publications from Cold War Network member organisations. The centrepiece of this project will be a mobile exhibition that doesn’t just present information but invites you to step into history. This interactive experience, with its traditional information panels and cutting-edge augmented reality technology, will bring the history of these airfields to life, allowing visitors to explore the past through audio and visual elements.

Preserving the Past for the Future
By exploring the history of these airfields, we aim to deepen our understanding of the UK’s nuclear weapons testing program and its lasting impact on the environment and the communities involved. This project will also expand the reach of the Cold War Network and its member organisations.

How You Can Help
Do you have any memorabilia, photographs, letters, forms, or souvenirs related to any of the airfields listed? Do you have personal stories or recollections about any of these airfields?

Your contributions will help us piece together the complete story of these historic sites and ensure that their legacy is preserved for future generations. We are particularly interested in contacting veterans who would be willing to collaborate with us to create a series of recorded interviews about the airfields.

Please get in touch with the project team at office@bntva.museum or in writing to;

BNTVA Museum
PO BOX 8244
Castle Donington
DE74 2BY

List of Atomic Airfields
Aeon Field (Christmas Island, Kiribati)
Amberley WA
Beadon Bay WA (Sunderland Flying Boats)
Broome WA
Canton Island (Kiribati)
Carnarvon Airfield WA
Cassidy Field (Christmas Island, Kiribati)
Darwin Airfield NT
Edinburgh Field SA
Emu Field SA
Fairbairn ACT
Garbutt QLD
Goose Bay (Canada)
Honolulu (Hawaii)
Lauthala Bay (Fiji)
Malden Island (Kiribati)
Maralinga Airfield SA
Montebello Islands Lagoon WA (Flying Boats)
Onslow WA
Pearce WA
Tongareva (Penrhyn, Cook Isles)
Richmond WA
Townsville QLD
Whenuapai, NZ
Woomera SA