Facing Armageddon
About This Book
Chas Hall was twenty years old in July 1960 when he was called up for National Service. He joined the Royal Air Force and then agreed to extend his service by three years, which made him a regular serviceman. After initial training he qualified as a wireless operator and was posted to RAF Mildenhall. In late 1961 he was sent abroad for the first time, to Christmas Island. On that remote coral island, Hall came face to face with nuclear weapons testing. The programme was known as Brigadoon by the British government and Dominic by the Americans, and during it Hall witnessed 25 atmospheric detonations. He likens the posting to a year-long prison term. More than 300 British servicemen and around 10,000 Americans were stationed together on one corner of the island. The book examines the scope of these controversial tests and their effect on the men who carried them out. Twenty-five servicemen died during Hall's time on Christmas Island, and many others suffered mentally while they kept serving there. It also traces how a four-year campaign led by participants and The Mirror newspaper led the British government to announce medals for nuclear test veterans in November 2022. Hall's account shows why these men deserve that recognition for their role in the tests. The book includes many photographs from the author's personal collection that have not been published before. It helps readers understand the harsh conditions servicemen endured on Christmas Island.
ISBN: 9781911667889
You might also like
Unlock Exclusive Content
Experience the hidden layers of 'Facing Armageddon'. Scan the book cover with the Appilog mobile app to see behind-the-scenes videos, author reviews, and interactive digital stories.
Available on iOS & Android
