Medal for Roy after nuclear test service

Medal for Roy after nuclear test service

Roy Williams covered his eyes as he was told to when a massive nuclear test explosion rocked his ship in April 1958.

Even so, Roy recalls seeing the bones of his hands and the outline of his fingers as the flash lit the sky. Like many service personnel on the Royal Navy ship, he still snuck a peek, noting the huge mushroom cloud ascending above Kiribati (Christmas) Island as Britain’s biggest nuclear weapon ever tested exploded.

The test was one of many conducted by Britain as it rushed to develop nuclear weapons to retain its “super-power” status after the Second World War. The United States was also testing nuclear bombs in the South Pacific, notably at Bikini Atoll.

Roy was an engineer with the Royal Air Force. He and other servicemen sent to the islands were also tested to see how they reacted and what after-effects they might experience. Many developed cancers and other ailments, dying before their time.

He recalls that officers and officials were sent below deck, but he and others of lower rank were ordered to remain on decks and observe.

“We were guinea pigs,” Roy says now, but recognising he was one of the lucky ones to get to the age of 87.

Now, 65 years later, on July 22 at the War Veterans retirement home where he now resides, Malvern Roy Williams was presented with a rare Nuclear Test Medal. The British Ministry of Defence said it was “in recognition of your significant contribution to Britain’s nuclear test programme”. The medal features an atom surrounded by olive branches.

The medal presentation was made by Ōtaki MP Tim Costley, who qualified to present military medals by virtue of having been a wing commander.

“It’s an honour to present Roy with this medal,” Tim said. “It shows recognition of his dedication and commitment to service.”

Before moving to the Levin rest home, Roy ran a clock and watch repair business at the highway shops in Ōtaki. He and his wife, Helen, had moved to Ōtaki from Lower Hutt, where he operated his business opposite the Waterloo railway station.

Roy grew up in Folkstone, England, and emigrated to New Zealand via Australia in the 1960s.