Written in 1957, this report by Squadron Leader S.J. Pooley was his report on Operation Grapple, Christmas Island between May 22nd and June 6th, 1957.
Does this report highlight the inadequate safety procedures and the risk and rigor?
Squadron Leader Pooley reports that a Canberra returning with samples was lost at Goose Bay from the first Grapple Shot. The day after the test, the Canberra was landing to refuel at Goose Bay, Newfoundland, but Pilot Officer J.S. Loomes and Flying Officer T.R. Montgomery were killed as the plane crashed in poor weather. (Information from Grappling with the bomb) It is unknown what happened to the samples.
An estimated dose of Radiation for the crew of a Canberra aircraft is mentioned and that they should only work once only. Yet Eric Denson was sent up twice and his dosages are much more than what is stated in this report.
Squadron Leader Pooley escorted 12 barrels of fissionable material from Aldermasteron to Lyneham and then to Christmas Island.
Squadron Leader Pooley then describes a striking feature of radioactivity and quoting from the report:
"It was quite impossible to confine it. In fact, the sampling tent was soon so active that the samples had to be taken outside for radiation counts.
After four showers and a haircut, I was still above the permissible levels of activity, which did not fall to normal until the following day.
Mr total roentgen dose is not yet known but is only likely to be one or two R."
Squadron Leader Pooley died of Leukaemia.
This report was brought to light by the Daily Mirror in 2007, by Susie Boniface.
This article and the history of the tests are available on The Damned (mirror.co.uk) website which contains over 25,000 words and articles on the British Nuclear Tests and was referenced in the AMSC medal submission of 2019.
Conclusion
Was Squadron Leader Pooley's death of leukaemia connected with his time at the tests? The coroner reported an Open Verdict on his death. He was definitely exposed, as were thousands of other servicemen at the tests. His report shows the levels of radioactivity and how impossible it is to contain the radiation due to how far it can penetrate. Yet the MoD still deny any responsibility. Even when Gordon Brown and Tony Blair were Prime Minister and they had personal links to the tests, they still denied the Nuclear Veterans any formal recognition.