The Ministry of Defence has always stated that the Health and Safety procedures were followed during the British Nuclear Testing program. These newly released documents show that aboard H.M.S Tracker, the medical aspects of the ship were far from adequate.
"My position as ship's doctor was officially impossible'
'The vaccination and inoculation position of the ship's company is unsatisfactory.'
'No more than 2 or 3 men had international certification.'
'
'There is no alternative but, re-immunisation of the ship's company.'
'The inoculations were not received with enthusiasm by the ship's company'
'The number of skin complaints has risen with the
temperature, as it always does. Several of the ship's company, are
in my opinion, unfit for service in hot climates
by reason of their skin condition.'
'Are men given an examination for fitness for overseas service in the Navy?
A large number slipped through it such an examination is routine.'
'This day a start was to be made on blood counts for all
personnel likely to be exposed to radioactive hazards.
The haemocytometer chamber is quite
unserviceable - none of the lines are visible.'
'No naked eye check could of been made by R.N. Medical
stores before they issued it.'
'Differential white counts are started today but their value is much
diminished by our inability to do total white counts simultaneously.'
'Chronic otitis externa cases are beginning to appear.
Such men should not be allowed overseas - least of all in the engine room.'
'The engine and boiler room staff are depleted in numbers
(because of skin and ear absentees) and their burden
increased in very trying conditions.'
'One P.O. with an intractable dermatitis (eczematous) following a fall on a ladder will have to be sent ashore for treatment in hospital and repatriation.
The last time he was sent abroad exactly the same thing happened!
No one discussed his medical history or skin with
him when he was drafted to the ship.'
'Perhaps it is the duty of the M.O. of the ship to do this?
But what about ships were no M.O. is
carried - like TRACKER officially.'
'At Aden, P.O. was admitted to the R.A.F. Hospital.
They will repatriate him by air.
'The R.A.F. were good enough to provide us with many medical
stores - but no haemocytometer available.
A signal will be sent to P.M.O Colombo asking him to try
to obtain one, if necessary by local purchase.'
'This Minor operation showed up the shortcomings of the
No.3 Canvas Roll; though with the addition of a
pair of toothed forceps and a sharp pointed scissors
most minor operations are possible.'
'I especially need a pair or aural forceps, since much of my
time is spent dealing with chronic ears.'
'The First Lieutenant assures me that he ordered a No.2 set
and that, after some persuasion, agreed to issue one.
What then became of all the instruments?
Were the boxes sent empty by XXX or were they despatched
full and emptied by someone en route to TRACKER?
Either way the matter requires investigation.'
'Having examined the Special Compartments with XXX I have cover up all lacerations immediately, to prevent contamination.'
'While the parties change their clothing on L/SBA will be at
hand to look for and cover any surface abrasions. Hyoscine
hydrobromin tablets (made up in a wisp of paper) will be
offered to all those stomachs are not proof against the gyrations of small, canopied boats in a choppy sea.'
'The prevention of sea sickness is all the more
important since, until the degree of water contamination
has been established, it will be necessary to wear respirators.'
'No radiation casualties, nor accidents in contaminated areas.
All blood counts have been sent to CAMPANIA so that they
may be entered on the personal documents of those concerned.'
'Two cases of minor injuries. The men worked in sandals.'
' A full set of lower and partial upper dentures were provided
to one C.P.O whose teeth had never caught up with him on his
various postings in the U.K. and who had been drafted for
Operation Hurricane without any being provided.'
'One Officer fractured his L. scaphoid and the plaster put on
by the General Repatriation Hospital, Hollywood excluded
entirely the 1st metacarpal. A fresh plaster had to be applied on board.
XXX the visiting Naval practitioner, became aware of this
fault in treatment and he is taking the matter up
privately with the authorities concerned.'
'After leaving Colombo another stoker developed abdominal
pain, malaise, a temperature, dysuria and occasional diarrhoea.'
'During this time this patient was sick one of the Royal Marines
was employed in the boiler room to avoid closing down one boiler
from lack of men. One other stocker was only just fit having
had recurrent boils for the last three months without cause.'
'This man was eventually cured by heavy doses of
Ascorbic Acid, vitamin tablets and sunbathing.'
Conclusion
It is unknown how many men were examined correctly before they were assigned to H.M.S Tracker. We do not know if they were passed fit or any previous medical history was examined before they were posted. From this report, their inoculations were inadequate and many men should not have been posted overseas due to their skin conditions, let alone to witness a nuclear explosion.
Inadequate medical equipment to perform his duties, no serviceable haemocytometer chamber for blood tests. Just what was the procedure for ships with no M.O.?
How can a man complete his duties without his teeth? Surely this was checked before he left?
When a medical officer describes his job as impossible, servicemen not fit, equipment missing to perform his role and they were unsure of the degree of contamination, the health and safety and medical negligence on H.M.S Tracker is in question.
After witnessing a nuclear explosion, having boils for no reason, was being sent to sunbathe the best solution? If you know of that person, if you are that person, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you and anyone aboard H.M.S Tracker for an interview.
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