Veteran of Christmas Island awarded Nuclear Test Medal

John Johnson, who is 83 and lives at The Manors, Karbon Homes’ Extra Care scheme in Prudhoe, has been awarded the Nuclear Test Medal after serving during the nuclear testing programme between November 1962 and December 1963.

John's Nuclear Test Medal (Image: Karbon Homes)

John, who served in the Royal Navy and went to Christmas Island at the age of 21, said: “I joined the Royal Navy at 17 but turned out to be the world’s worst sailor, suffering terribly with sea sickness.

“A friend told me about the post. I didn’t know exactly what I would be doing or where I would be going, but I thought it would be a good way to not be at sea for a while, so I applied for the draft and ended up on Christmas Island.”

John Johnson in his Royal Navy uniform (Image: Karbon Homes)

For eight years, from July 1956 until June 1964, Royal Navy personnel supported tests on Christmas Island with a permanent team ashore. John was part of Naval Party 5555, the parent unit for the Royal Navy’s presence from 1960, and served while the Americans carried out nuclear tests on the island.

It’s been nearly 60 years since John was on Christmas Island but he remembers the multiple bomb tests he witnessed.

“The plane that came over to drop the bombs was like a fly on the ceiling, so tiny because it was so far away. The first drop made the biggest impression on me. 

John Johnson in The Manors with his medal and certificates (Image: Jane Johnson)

“Even though it was 10-20 miles away the noise was deafening and the flash of light was brighter than the sunshine. You were given eye protection and if you held your hand up to the light you could see your bones through your skin, like an x-ray. The light was that bright.

“There was always the risk of being overexposed to radiation. If the wind was blowing in the wrong direction for example. Everyone had to wear a radiation badge which would measure the levels and would change colour if it got too high.”

The Nuclear Test Medal was announced by the Prime Minister in 2022 to recognise the contribution of military, civilian and overseas staff and personnel who participated in nuclear testing programmes in the 1950s and 1960s.

The award is the first military medal issued by King Charles III.

Karbon Homes’ scheme coordinator at The Manors, Samantha Jeavons, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of John and it’s wonderful that he’s been commemorated with this medal for his military service.

"John and his wife Celia are both keen to get the message out there that these medals are available for people to apply for. Even if the veteran has passed away their family is still entitled to the medal in their memory.”