In anticipation of Remembrance Sunday, the production of the Nuclear Test Medals has begun, as observed by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer, during his visit to Worcestershire Medal Services situated in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
“The first Nuclear Test Medals have started rolling off the production lines, ahead of being issued to veterans before Remembrance Sunday,” reads the press release.
The medal comes as a commemorative gesture, celebrating the significant contributions of veterans, civilian staff, and others instrumental in the progress of the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme during the mid-20th century.
In 2022, the Prime Minister had declared that individuals involved in Britain’s nuclear testing programme during the 1950s and 1960s would receive this honour. This announcement was made roughly 70 years post the inaugural British nuclear weapon test.
Detailing the design, the medal showcases an atom encircled by olive branches and has the inscription “Nuclear Test Medal”.
Delighted to be in Birmingham today helping the first Nuclear Test Medal off the production line with John, a Canberra pilot during the tests.
Politics is about getting stuff done for those who need it. It’s taken 70 years for this Nation to recognise these heroes. pic.twitter.com/a3WCL0DNAa
— Rt Hon Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) August 23, 2023
This design was settled upon to symbolise the diverse roles undertaken by the numerous recipients.
Additionally, during his visit to Worcestershire Medal Services, Minister Mercer actively participated in the medal’s creation process by stamping a medal and affixing a ribbon to it. These medals are slated for presentation to nuclear test veterans in the upcoming Autumn season.
The company responsible for the medals’ creation, Worcestershire Medal Services, has been a prominent medal, honours, and orders supplier in the UK since 2004. They maintain over 60 employment positions in Birmingham and have been behind the production of several distinguished UK medals, such as the OBEs and the recent Coronation Medal.
I heard that they have been specially designed to glow in the dark. I’ll get me coat
Time to recognise the contribution of the Cold War veterans, many of whom died in their challenge to be the best of the best. Go look at the National Arboretum casualty lists if you need convincing.
Do u mean died during nuclear test ? Or died during the Cold War in some capacity?
My uncle died in the Cold War. His Canberra strike aircraft disintegrated in flight during a training sortie in 1961.
[Nothing to do with the Atomic Tests, obvs]
Sadly, I’m sure it is too late for some crewmen who flew through the cloud of the resulting mushroom cloud. And others exposed.