Atomic bomb test vets sue

Apr 20 2008 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

Our story prompts John to seek compensation

WORKING on nuclear tests was an adventure for the young John Taylor.

John, now 71, of South Shields, South Tyneside, spent six months as a leading aircraftman on the “Antler tests” in Maralinga in 1957 . . . but he says his family are paying the price.

He said: “I worked on the weight of the aircraft used in the tests, and it was quite an adventure because I had never been out of England.

“Nuclear weapons were a new thing back then, so the whole experience was new and exciting because I was only young.

“When the tests were carried out we were told to gather on the airfield and turn our backs, and you could feel a warm rush of air . . . it was like someone had opened an oven door behind you.

“After the initial flash we could turn around and watch the rest.”

Those servicemen had no idea of the dangers.

John said: “A few years later I developed strange rashes that my doctor couldn’t explain, but they eventually subsided.

“I have other health problems now, like angina, but people could put that down to my age . . . my children, however, have suffered much worse.

“My son, who’s now 45, was born with a hole in his heart, and my daughter, who’s 36, was born with only one kidney.

“I joined the court action after reading about it in the Sunday Sun but I have to say that, for me, it’s not about the money . . . it’s the principle now, and I’m doing this for my children and future generations.”