Research into nuclear test veterans secures further government funding

Associate Professor Chris Hill, researcher in History at USW, has secured further funding from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs for his study into ‘a forgotten community’ of former servicemen who took part in British nuclear test operations.

The project, An Oral History of British Nuclear Test Veterans (NTVs), started in 2023 with the aim of recording ‘life story’ autobiographies with veterans around the UK, to recognise the complex role that test participation has played in veterans’ lives.

Chris, together with Dr Fiona Bowler, senior research assistant at USW, and Dr Jon Hogg, senior lecturer in History at the University of Liverpool, interviewed veterans across the full range of test experiences: from Operation Hurricane in October 1952 to joint atmospheric tests with the US in 1962; from the detonation of hydrogen bombs to ‘minor trials’; from the test sites of South and Western Australia to those of Malden and Christmas Island in the Pacific.

Originally proposed as a straightforward project film, capturing digitised oral records of NTV experiences for preservation and educational use, the project has grown into something far more impactful.

At its heart is a broadcast-quality film that transcends historical documentation. Rooted in the testimony and rich photographic archive of Royal Engineer Frank Bools, the film weaves universal themes of family, love, loss, and work life into the narrative of nuclear test participation.

This approach not only humanises a complex and often overlooked history but also challenges and transforms public perceptions of NTVs, building recognition and understanding. It also encourages reflection on broader issues, including accountability and the legacy of colonialism.

The extension funding will enhance the film’s technical quality, supporting collaboration with a specialist sound designer, visual effects work on Frank’s photographs, and further archive research to deepen historical context. These improvements aim to elevate the project’s ability to connect emotionally and intellectually with diverse audiences.

Beyond public impact, the project has significant educational value. Its materials will enrich A-Level History curriculums, offering students a powerful, emotional engagement with the past that traditional textbooks cannot replicate. This dual impact – shaping societal views and enhancing education – underscores the transformative potential of the project.