The Loss of Canberra - WH.697 and the failure of the UK Government to include them in the NTV Medal.
In 1954, the UK sent Canberra Aircraft to sample the US Nuclear Testing, including 'Yankee' on May 4th 1954.
Unfortunately you will never of heard of Operation Bagpipes and the ultimate sacrifice made by one Canberra Crew.
The Operation
The UK sent Canberra Aircraft to monitor the US tests at Bikini Atoll.
Note that the LAVERTON aircraft were not equipped with internal breathing filters which are essential for sampling missions.
The Prime Minister was briefed of the Operation:
William Penney and Lord Cherwell were consulted and they regarded the operation as essential:
Crash landing of Canberra
Canberra WH.697 suffered a radio compass failure, the pilot decided to descend for a visual contact in heavy rain and poor visibility. he started making 'MAYDAY' calls.
He decided due to the low fuel state to make a landing on 'AILINGLAPALAP', a small atoll, about 100 miles off course.
He crash landed and the inhabitants of the island helped him and a message was sent for help. A US flying boat from KWAJALEIN picked up the crew and inspected the aircraft.
Unfortunately, the aircraft became contaminated by salt water. Some internal parts and the engine were recovered by the aircraft was dragged into the water and floated, it was shot at in an attempt to sink it, but needed a salvage vessel to ram it in order for it to sink in 1,500 ft of water where it remains to this day.
Loss of Canberra WG 738
Canberra WG 738 took off at 0006 at February 23rd 1954, en-route to KWAJALEIN, but never arrived.
The aircraft and the crew have never been found, again due to radio compass failure.
A cover story is that the aircraft were despatched to Australia for high altitude meteorological research purposes if required. These men gave their lives, yet their story has been hidden for 69 years.
Three crew members have been posted missing.
Replacement aircrafts were prepared, but only after the equipment was checked.
Conclusion
The UK sent aircraft and servicemen to not only the US testing program, but also the French and Chinese tests. Operation Bagpipes is an operation which has never been publicised, it is a lost operation, yet it cost the lives of three Canberra crew.
Unfortunately, the crew members and their families have been excluded from the Nuclear Test Medals recently awarded, as have the other UK servicemen who took part in other countries testing programs, despite being ordered to do so by the UK Government.
Three men gave their lives for their country, yet their families are excluded from applying for a medal for their service. A disgraceful decision by the Ministry of Defence.
You probably had never heard of Operation Bagpipes before today, but now you know. We will remember them always as Nuclear Veterans participating in nuclear testing under orders.
Comentarios