 Atomic Bomb Top Secret papers from Operation Hurricane ( DAILY MIRROR) Official papers about Operation Hurricane, the final test explosion that led to Britain becoming the world's third nuclear power, have been closed for years. In that time survivors have battled not just official secrecy but a horrifying legacy of radiation-related cancers, miscarriages and birth defects. In all, 45 bomb tests and 593 radioactive experiments were carried out in America, Australia and the South Pacific. Successive governments have insisted there was no danger and health problems are just bad luck. Court cases and war pensions all failed as a result. In February 1983 Margaret Thatcher told Parliament the records were not being released under the 30-year rule as 'the material is still se){kind=link}
In 1952, as he prepared a speech about our first atomic bomb, he slashed from the record all mention of the 1,400 servicemen who took part in the tests that made it possible
With just three strokes of his famous red pencil, Winston Churchill began rewriting history and sparked a culture of cover-up that has lasted 70 years.
In 1952, as he prepared a speech about our first atomic bomb, he slashed from the record all mention of the 1,400 servicemen who took part in the tests that made it possible.
And in doing so, the ageing PM set the stage for denials that have blighted UK atomic veterans ever since.
Alan Owen, one of the campaigners still fighting for recognition of their sacrifices, says: “He thought they were not worth mentioning compared to this awesome new weapon which meant he could look the Americans square in the eye.