Summary

Specimen medal issued by the Australian Government, Department of Veterans Affairs, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the last major nuclear weapons trial on Australian soil in October 1957, Australia, 2007 AD

The medal was issued to all Australian military and service personnel who participated in the British Nuclear Test Program in Australia between 1952 and 1963. Nuclear tests were conducted at the Monte Bello Islands in Western Australia, and Maralinga and Emu Field in South Australia. The Australians involved constructed test sites, observed tests, took and assessed air samples, monitored dust clouds in the air and on the ground. Military personnel were responsible for maintaining equipment, including aircraft, used during the tests.

Physical Description

Round medal in box. Obverse depicts outline of Australia with intersecting lines indicating the major test sites. Reverse depicts the Australian coat of arms

Obverse Description

Outline of Australia with intersecting lines indicating the major test sites. Inscribed centre: 'Monte Bello Islands', 'Emu Field' and 'Maralinga'; around: 'AUSTRALIAN BRITISH NUCLEAR TEST PARTICIPANT/ 1952-1963'

Reverse Description

Australian coat of arms; inscribed 'SERVICE TO AUSTRALIA'.

Significance

The medal was issued to all Australian military and service personnel who participated in the British Nuclear Test Program in Australia between 1952 and 1963. Nuclear tests were conducted at the Monte Bello Islands in Western Australia, and Maralinga and Emu Field in South Australia. The Australians involved constructed test sites, observed tests, took and assessed air samples, monitored dust clouds in the air and on the ground. Military personnel were responsible for maintaining equipment, including aircraft, used during the tests.

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