The Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey presents islanders Gerry Robert and Henry Torode with Nuclear Test Medals for their service as part of Britain’s nuclear weapons tests in the 1950s.

Lieutenant-Governor Lt General Richard Cripwell presented Gerry Robert and Henry Torode with the new Nuclear Test Medal before an audience of family and friends at Government House.

Both of the veterans have lived in Guernsey for decades after the Christmas Island Test, neither had met each other before the ceremony.

Gerry Robert was 21 when he witnessed the detonation of four atomic bombs at Christmas Island in 1957. He served as a Corporal in the Royal Army Service Corps and witnessed the first explosion from the deck of HMS Messina.

Henry Torode was posted to Christmas Island 1958 serving with the Royal Marines having enlisted in 1956.  He operated a landing craft that ferried equipment between the Royal Navy aircraft carriers anchored a mile and a half offshore from the island.

Henry was present for the detonation of two atom bombs and two bigger hydrogen bombs. He said will never forget what he saw. ‘I remember looking up at the sky and thinking there were two suns. The flames and the fireball were as bright as the sun, if not brighter.’

Gerry Roberts said it was unbelievable to be getting recognition after such a long space of time. He said;

We have waited 66 years for this, the medals are something we never thought we would get.

The Lieutenant-Governor paid tribute to the two military veterans. ‘All medal ceremonies are unique, but this one is particularly special, we all owe a debt of thanks to Mr Robert, Mr Torode and others like them for the risks they unwittingly faced so long ago.’

The Nuclear Test Medal is a sovereign award, which bears an image of King Charles III. It recognises military, civilian and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme during the 1950s and 1960s.

To date over 3000 medal applications have been received by the MOD. 

The story can be read online at the Guernsey Press at: 

https://guernseypress.com/news/2023/12/03/lt-governor-presents-islanders-with-nuclear-test-medals/