The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Nuclear test veteran is honoured
Aveteran who has spent years campaigning for recognition of the dangerous job they had in the 1950s and ’60s is to be honoured.
Colin Moir, from Peterhead, was among a handful of people who saw their own bones shine through their skin as hydrogen and atomic bombs were dropped into the sea for the purpose of nuclear testing.
After more than a decade of campaigning Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed on Monday that he, along with other veterans, would be honoured for the part they played at nuclear testing sites.
Aged only 18 at the time, it wasn’t until many years later Mr Moir became aware of the risks involved to soldiers who didn’t even have gloves to protect their hands.
Now aged 81, Mr Moir has spent years campaigning for nuclear testing veterans to be honoured for their services.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has agreed to award medals for their unique service 70 years after the first British nuclear test was launched.
Mr Moir believes the moment he gets the medal around his neck will be incredibly emotional.
He said: “I’m delighted, it’ll be very emotional; I’ve got my application ready to post. I only wish I’d got it a few weeks ago before Remembrance Sunday because we were all marching and it would’ve made a big difference.”
Mr Moir stressed that the health impact of the nuclear testing can still be felt today, and it’s taken years for the government to acknowledge this.
“There’s been all kinds of health problems, a lot of people have had cancer and then their descendants have had rare and unexplained illnesses,” he said.
“The government have been saying for years there was no risk, and we didn’t qualify for a medal, but I think by continual campaigning, they’ve finally had to admit it.”
Mr Moir’s campaigning started while David Cameron was prime minister between 2010-2016.
Mr Sunak said: “I am incredibly proud that we are able to mark the service and dedication of our nuclear test veterans with this new medal.”
MP for Banff and Buchan, David Duguid said: “The service of those veterans who served in the nuclear testing programme cannot be understated and so it is right that they are being properly recognised.”