Earl Curley, Cosmos 954, and the knowledge institutions could not keep In January 1978, a Soviet satellite powered by a nuclear reactor fell out of the sky and broke apart over northern Canada. The object was known as  Cosmos 954 , and when it failed, it scattered radioactive debris across thousands of square kilometres of the Northwest Territories. It triggered one of the most complex recovery operations in Canadian history and a rare joint mission between Canadian and Ameri

After 3 years, 150,000 km across 5 countries, over 50 interviews and being hunted down by dingos (actually happened…), we are proud to announce that the documentary 'Our Planet, The People, My Blood' is being screened in cinemas across the UK. This deeply moving film provides a powerful and emotional reminder about the sacrifices made by the affected communities and the long-lasting impact that it has had on them and their families. The documentary is an incredible piece of w

This year has already been a sad year for the Nuclear Community, with three members of our community passing away. Alan Dowson, Pete Peters and David Strange. As always, our thoughts are with the families at this difficult time. Whilst the world is embroiled in the mess that is UK politics, these families are grieving for their loved ones. Men who did not live to receive the apology that they and their families deserve. Instead, the UK Prime Minister is busy saving his own jo

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) marks its fifth anniversary on the 22nd of January 2026. This treaty is incredibly important for our future and for the entire planet. Yet the United Kingdom refuses to sign or ratify the treaty. In fact, the UK has not even sent observers to any of the meetings and is refusing to engage with the treaty. There are currently 74 states parties, as well as a further 25 signatories to the treaty. You can check to see if your

Sir John Hayes MP, Brian Unthank, Paul Wugh MP, Cameron Thomas MP and Alan Owen. Cross-Party MPs Unite Over Urgent Call for Nuclear Test Veteran Justice A private parliamentary screening of the new documentary Our Planet, the People, My Blood  was held on 13 January 2026, sponsored jointly by Rebecca Long-Bailey MP (Labour, Salford) and Sir John Hayes MP (Conservative, South Holland and The Deepings). The screening drew Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum

The Montebello Islands, where Britain tested nuclear weapons, still display a sign to this day stating that elevated radiation levels exist and that the visits must be restricted to 1 hour per day. But why are the signs displayed? It comes down to who is responsible for any harm caused if you suffer from any radiation-induced illness because of your stay on the island. November 1952 The action to be taken when HMAS Hawkesbury departed the Islands and no longer patrolled the a

Each new year brings hope that the Nuclear Community will finally receive the truth and justice they deserve. There have been many campaigners, many organisations who have fought the UK Government, and there has never been an apology or any financial redress. But is 2026 the year that changes? Many people have fought hard for recognition for decades, and many of those are no longer with us. Incredible campaigners who will never see the UK Government apologise for their wrongd

Introduction President Charles de Gaulle insisted on maintaining a fully independent nuclear deterrent (force de frappe) which France had established during the Cold War; that was free from dependence on either the USA or NATO.  France’s first nuclear tests were carried out between 1960 and 1966, were conducted at Ekker in the Sahara Desert in what was then French Algeria.  This consisted of a series of 13 underground nuclear tests and 5 complementary subcritical atmospheric

At LABRATS, we are always asked to work on and endorse projects. We have to be extremely careful with our selections due to the pressure of time and, most importantly, suitability for the community. Our Directors are consulted and decisions made. We wanted to highlight some exciting projects which we have signed up for. These projects are not just about campaigning; they are about education and raising awareness. Office for Veterans' Affairs Working with the Office for Vetera

I met James many years ago; he attended the All-Tests Reunion and was present at the Medal award ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum. He has been involved with the community since 2010, and we have been in constant contact regarding his project ambitions. His new hybrid feature documentary 'Nucleus' unpacks the unending and urgent legacy of nuclear weapons testing on our lives. Produced by Melt Films, there has already been a lot of work undertaken, as you can see fro

IN LLAMA LAND THERE'S A MASTER PLAN, TO SNIFF A NUKE OR TWO. - BY BARRY FAGG Introduction This document provides an overall picture of air sampling sorties carried out by 543 Squadron Victor aircraft and personnel, who between 1966 and 1974 flew through the debris of atmospheric nuclear test clouds of the French and Chinese nations.  There is a brief overview of the Royal Air Force (RAF) “SNIFFING” missions associated with the Chinese tests, but primarily the article focuses

Join us on the 19th of November at 9 pm in the UK for a fantastic free webinar entitled 'Holding the Memories'. The webinar will discuss the fight for Nuclear Archival Justice. It brings together affected communities and experts from the UK and Australia to explore the barriers put in place when exploring archives. Discussing the power of community-held memory and the restrictions imposed by governments on accessing the material, essential for the fight for truth and justice

Today is the anniversary of Grapple X, on the 8th of November 1957. With a yield of 1.8 megatons, it was 140 times the size of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The bomb was dropped from Valiant XD824, piloted by Millett. We have been extremely busy this week with events running up to Remembrance Day tomorrow. Monday 3rd November Alan attended a Remembrance event at 10 Downing Street. This was a great chance to meet with other organisations and to meet the Prime Minister, the De

Frank Bools The Oral History Project was an incredible success, the testimonies of the veterans will be held in perpetuity at the British Library for generations to listen to and understand how the testing program affected the participants. The Oral History project also included a film created by Sascha Snow entitled ‘The Greatest Force on Earth Live' this short documentary follows Frank Bools as he travels to Christmas Island in 1958 and his life after the testing program. L

On the 23rd October 2025, we were privileged to be invited to a private viewing of 'Portraits of the Hibakusha - 80 years remembered', an absolutely fantastic exhibition of portraits of the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The preview took place at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Harbour Drive, Cardiff, CF10 4PA. The exhibition runs from the 24th October to the 30th November and was created by Gina Langon of 80,000 voices and photographed by Patri

Sioned Williams MS, Captain Terry Hughes, Alan Owen, Bryan Jarvis and Mabon ap Gwynfor MS On the 22nd of October 2025, LABRATS launched their educational package 'British Nuclear Testing - An Introduction' at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay. Sponsored by Sioned Williams MS and supported by Mabon ap Gwnfor, the event was a great success. People from across the country attended the event at the Pierhead building and were welcomed by the Senedd Event team with tea, coffee and of cours

LABRATS are proud to announce two Educational Launch Events across the UK. Our New Educational package will be launched in Wales and England over the next 3 weeks. These exciting events will showcase the new Educational package that was shown to the attendees of the All-Test Reunion in September 2025 at Pontins, Sand Bay, Weston-Super-Mare. The events will take place on the following days: Pierhead Building, Senedd - Cardiff - 22nd October 2025. 12 pm Mayors Council Chambers,

Today is the 73rd anniversary of the first British Nuclear Test. Operation Hurricane was carried out in 1952 at the Montebello Islands in...

On the 12th of September at the British Library, An Oral History of British Nuclear Test Veterans was launched. After many years of hard work, the team delivered an amazing project. Dr Chris Hill and Dr Jonathan Hogg introducing the team In an evening attended by Nuclear Test Veterans from across the Commonwealth, the NTV Oral History Project was released. The project team of Dr Chris Hill, Dr Jon Hogg, Dr Fiona Bowler and Joshua Bushen presented their work. LABRATS had endor

I was on Christmas Island for the nuclear tests in 1958. I was in the Royal Engineers working as a plant operator in the Quarry, which...