Developing the British Nuclear Deterrent Between 1952 and 1967 the  United Kingdom carried out a  number of atmospheric tests of  nuclear weapons in the Pacific  Ocean and at Maralinga,  Australia, involving over 20,000  servicemen. Among these tests were the “Grapple Y” and  “Grapple Z” series of six detonations at Christmas Island  in the Pacific Ocean (November 1957–September 1958),  of weapons many times more powerful than those  discharged at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  All Press enquiries regarding the  Veterans Health Needs Audit  should be addressed to Alan  Rimmer on 078011184011  Resources available in the Downloads Area