In our last blog, we discussed fatal casualties at Operation Hurricane. Unfortunately, five servicemen lost their lives during the Operation. 2 Navy, 2 R.A.A.F and 1 Army.
Further investigation found the details of the personnel who died in a report from the 17th of October 1952.
A.B.J ATKINSON - H.M.S. NARVIK
S.J FAIRFULL - H.M.S CAMPANIA
SAPPER F. FURLONG - H.M.S. NARVIK
TWO R.A.A.F PERSONNEL (Who attempted to rescue A.B.J Atkinson)
A.B.J ATKINSON - H.M.S NARVIK
On 6th April 1952, A.B Atkinson was bathing from the shore in the COCOS Islands with a party of naval and army and R.A.A.F ratings. He and others swam out too far from the shore and got washed out to sea by the undertow of the surf. Two men from the R.A.A.F attempted to rescue A.B Atkinson but all three drowned. None of their bodies were recovered.
The bathing at the place in question was known to be dangerous, but the R.A.A.F (who were stationed at COCOS) told our ratings that they thought it would be OK.
COOK (S) J. FAIRFULL - H.M.S CAMPANIA
On 19th July 1952, at 00:20 when an M.F.V. was taking libertymen back to H.M.S CAMPANIA at Mauritius, Cook (S) Fairfull fell overboard and was drowned. The reason for the accident was that he was sitting on the gunwhale.
His body was recovered by the Harbour Police after the ship sailed, and he was buried at Phoenix Cemetary on 22nd July with full military honours.
SAPPER F. FURLONG - H.M.S NARVIK
On October 13th 1952, at 14:45 Sapper Furlong was killed in a bulldozer accident ashore in the Monte Bello Islands.
Death was instantaneous; details of the cause of the accident have not yet been received. He was buried at the Monte Bello Islands on October 14th.
Conclusion
We hope that these families are aware of the veteran's participation in the tests and that they gave their lives in pursuit of the quest for nuclear dominance. We hope that they will apply for the new NTV Medal.
No Risk or Rigor. Tell that to the families of these veterans who never came home.