My Father served with the RAF on Christmas Island for six months in 1958. I am trying to find out more about the RAF's role there at that time, and was there medals issued for that campaign.
During the late 1950s Christmas Islands was the base for the British Atomic tests - RAF were used for a variety of roles. As to medals, I doubt it.
Forgot to mention the June edition of Aeroplane magazine has an interesting article about Operation Grapple (the 1957 test), including details of RAF involvement. If you'd like a copy PM me your email and I'll scan it for you.
HI There is a royal air force forum (see Link) The Royal Air Force Forum They have a section for people who are interested in RAF Christmas Island including some members who served there during the time your father was there. Never know they may have knew him. They are friendly people and well worth a visit. You will need to become a member to view the forum but thats free Thanks, Donnie
My Father served with the RAF on Christmas Island for six months in 1958. I am trying to find out more about the RAF's role there at that time, and was there medals issued for that campaign. Hi Owen, Here are a couple of interesting bits of info. Jane Resture always gives great insight into the happenings in the Pacific. Kiritimati Island now (Christmas Island then) is a beautiful island which is now a beacon for American fishing tours. Christmas Island (Kiritimati), Kiribati - Operation 'Grapple' Operation Grapple* The British Test Program to Develop a Hydrogen Bomb And this: Royal Engineers Museum - The Corps and the Cold War (1947-91) - Part 19 Truck Stop: Index of BigBang AEON airfield-Kiritimati photo - kcgallery photos at pbase.com This lovely fare is in Australian $'s as they use our currency across Kiribati and the southerly country of Tuvalu. Menu photo - kcgallery photos at pbase.com When I used to go there (last time 2005), food was low priced. Australian cans of beer were cheap. $1.00 One Australian dollar = .42 British pence
This is due to be re-broadcast (last on in May 2017) on Wednesday at 10pm on BBC4: BBC Four - Britain's Nuclear Bomb: The Inside Story "In 1957, Britain exploded its first megaton hydrogen bomb - codenamed Operation Grapple X. It was the culmination of an extraordinary scientific project, which against almost insuperable odds turned Britain into a nuclear superpower. This is the inside story of how Britain got 'the bomb'. The BBC has been granted unprecedented access to the top-secret nuclear research facility at Aldermaston. The programme features interviews with veterans and scientists who took part in the atomic bomb programme, some speaking for the first time, and newly released footage of the British atomic bomb tests."
Cited in part: That Forum has gone and a search found one item stating it went before Xmas 2015. There is a possible replacement which requires registration: The New RAF Forum There is another forum, where you can see the content: RAFCommands Forums
The BBC have just re-transmitted this excellent program "Britain's Nuclear Bomb" which is now available on BBC iPlayer:- BBC iPlayer - Britains Nuclear Bomb: The Inside Story
