National serviceman from Britain's first nuclear weapons tests receives medal

Myford House care home resident, Michael Maddox, has received his Veterans Badge from the Ministry of Defence 56 years after being part of the team to test Britain’s first hydrogen bombs on Christmas Island.

Having learnt of how Mr Maddox had never received recognition for his bravery, care worker Kerry Young decided to contact the Royal British Legion – with the blessing of Mr Maddox’s daughter – who then directed her to the MOD Medal Office, leading to the medal being dispatched.

Activities manager at the Telford care home, Kerry, comments: “Michael told me all about his time on Christmas Island and how he used to write love letters to his wife Marjorie, who sadly passed away some years ago.

“His story was fascinating and I was so captivated by it. He was part of a team that had to keep the right temperature for all the parts to a 100 megaton bomb that the army was testing. Without him and his colleagues, Britain would not have developed a nuclear weapon and the whole Cold War could have been different.”

Mr Maddox was a regular in the Royal Engineers for three years, after being called up for National Service in 1956, which led to him becoming part of Operation Grapple’s Main Camp Fridge Team.

Kerry added: “Michael has only recently started talking to us about Christmas Island and I suggested he should write it up. I felt his story needed to be told and I know his family will treasure it.

“When he received his badge, his first response was ‘awesome’. All the staff and residents are delighted for him. It was an emotional moment.”

Michael said: “I’m not saying I was a hero, but those of us situated on Christmas Island were subjected to close range exposure to five nuclear bomb tests. We were part of history in the making.”