NAVAD Day 2025

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

From left to right: Antonio Socci, Alan Owen, Nucholsa Frayling and Ian Hall.

The annual ceremony to remember those who have not made it this far took place on the 1st October at the National Memorial Arboretum, arranged by the Nuclear Community Charity Fund.

The ceremony was conducted by the Very Revd Nicholas Frayling KStJ, Chaplain to the BNTVA and to the Nuclear Community.

Very Revd Nicholas Frayling KStJ

After a delayed start due to electrical issues, the ceremony opened under blue skies and sunshine. Very different compared to last year, when it rained.

Nicholas introduced the ceremony with 'The Bidding Prayer' and invited Alan Owen to read a reading from St John's Gospel.

Alan Owen (LABRATS Founder)

Everyone present prayed for those who had not made it this far and for those struggling with the effects of the tests, including the descendants.

Antonio Socci

Antonio Socci played the Last Post and Reveille. Wreaths were laid by representatives in the Act of Remembrance.

Representatives laying wreaths

Nicholas led the Concluding Prayer and The Blessing, allowing representatives to gather their own thoughts and remember those who have not made it this far. Tea and cake were provided by the Nuclear Community Charity Fund after the event.

Representatives of the community present for the ceremony

We must never forget the testing program and the effects on the servicemen, the indigenous people, the civilian contractors and their families. This event is so important to the community to remember them.

Individual plaques for Jack Edwards and James Ronald Owen.

73 years on from the first test, and still the UK Government refuses to acknowledge the damage to everyone involved in the testing program. They still stand alone as the only testing country not to provide some form of recompense to their nuclear veterans. On the day of the ceremony, Keir Starmer promised to meet with the campaigners. The medical records review report is due at the end of the year, the Criminal case of Misconduct in Public Office is being investigated, and the civil case is ongoing. We have achieved so much, but we need that apology, we need accountability, and we need it soon.

From left to right: Malcolm Smith, Antiono Socci and Captain Terry Hughes.

We would like to thank The Nuclear Community Charity Fund for organising this event and to everyone who attended. It is an important event in the calendar and one which must continue. It was fantastic to see organisations standing together.

The Campaign for Truth and Justice continues.

(Pictures courtesy of Captain Terry Hughes and Steve Bexon)