This lament was written by the late John Lowe, ex-chairman of the BNTVA, who fought for recognition for the British nuclear test veterans. This poem comes from “Kisses from Above – A collection of Short Stories and Poems”, which John’s family published after he passed away.

John was born in 1935, and grew up in Cheshire, where he met his wife. He served in the Merchant Navy at aged 18, and was placed with the Royal Navy for his National Service at Christmas Island. His love of writing peaked in his later years. His family have kindly allowed us to reproduce his work here. 

They sent me aboard of the ‘Narvik’ for a peaceful Pacific cruise. 

I was only a National Serviceman, so what ‘ad I got to lose? 

‘Twas the chance of a lifetime they told me, to see all those wonderful sights: 

Exotic islands with palm trees and strange, dazzling, bright, flashing lights. 

We sailed across the Atlantic, where the ship almost split into two, 

And top brass in London were worried, for they didn’t know what they would do. 

We made it at last, into Kingston, and they patched us up, good as new, 

Then sent us out through the Isthmus, where they gave us a bit of a do. 

On across the Pacific for day after day after day, until we made 

Landfall at Christmas, to be told, you’re not here to stay. 

Malden’s your base for the future, there’s work there aplenty to do. 

You’ll swing to a pick at your leisure, which didn’t please most of the crew. 

Life for the most plain boring, though the officers did of their best 

And launching the sea boat at midnight, they considered an ultimate jest. 

Swimming was out of the question, the surf on the beach was so great, 

And sharks that lived ‘round the island would have thought we were there to be ate. 

On the 15^th May they were ready, in our best Number 9s we all dressed, 

And anti-flash gear it was issued, so that we could witness the test. 

We sat on the deck in the sunshine, with our hands clasped over our eyes. 

Thinking there was no need to worry, for we’d listened to all of their lies. 

Then we turned and gazed out in wonder at the sight of that great mushroom-cloud 

And the blast of the bomb was alarming for it was so tremendously loud. 

They kept us on deck all the morning for they wanted to know the results 

That nuclear bombs when exploded, had on we hardened old salts. 

By evening we were back on the island for a thoroughly good look around, 

But there wasn’t much left to look at and no relics were there to be found. 

They tested the bomb twice again Sir, 31^st May and 19^th of June, 

Then ordered the ship to sail homeward, which wasn’t a moment too soon. 

Now many of the crew they are dying, from cancer-related disease. 

The government won’t give a penny, their suffering and misery to ease; 

So, the government we must fight them, we mustn't be humble or meek, and right in the end it must triumph, for justice is all that we seek. 

Guinea Pigs 

It was bright, 

Too bright, 

Even with our backs to it, 

Eyes shut and dark glasses, 

Our hands clasped over our eyes, 

Like an X-ray. 

We could see all the bones, 

Then we turned and stared, 

At a great big black fireball, 

Fading through every shade of red, 

Leaving the all too familiar, 

White mushroom cloud. 

We had little to do, 

Except watch it for 

The next five hours. 

Then we landed on the island. 

And played a game of cricket. 

John Lowe

British nuclear test veteran.