A military veteran from Westbury has become one of the first in the UK to be awarded the new Nuclear Test Medal by the Government.

SAC Robert Crump was just a boy when he enlisted into the RAF in April 1952, and had no idea that he would later become what was known as a government ‘Lab Rat’.

The Lab Rats were men who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s and 1960s, and were sent into blast sites to measure radiation levels and determine if it was safe for scientists to safely enter the zone.

Despite their unwavering bravery, it has taken 70 years for the Lab Rats to now be formally recognised by the government for their invaluable work.

Robert first began his military career training as a parachutist and then paratrooper at the RAF Parachute Training School in Abingdon. During that time he completed a total of 67 jumps from three types of aircraft.

But from 1956 to 1962, he took part in ‘Operation Grapple’ at Christmas Island where he was forced to stand his ground in a white boiler suit with his back to the ongoing detonation.

Robert served in several countries as a Lab Rat and says the memory of turning around and witnessing the “mushroom cloud” behind him is one that will be etched in his memory forever.

The military hero, who now lives at Watersmead Care Home in Westbury, was medically discharged from the RAF in 1967, 15 years after he began his service.

Wiltshire Times: Robert Crump proudly wearing his Nuclear Test MedalRobert Crump proudly wearing his Nuclear Test Medal (Image: Trevor Porter)

On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, SAC Robert Crump was formally recognised for his work for the first time, when Air Vice Martin Clark CB awarded him with the new Nuclear Test Medal.

Speaking about the award ceremony, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

“I am delighted that this commemorative medal is rightfully given to our Nuclear Test veterans, who have made an invaluable contribution to the safety and security of the UK, and who we recognise and value for their service to our nation.”

The medal design features an atom surrounded by olive branches and bears and was chosen to reflect the multitude of different roles that were carried out by recipients.

The ribbon colours are white, yellow, black and red, with lighter blue stripes for the seas and sky, representative of the test locations such as the Pacific.