More British veterans to receive medal commemorating their nuclear service
08 November 2024
UK News and communications
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that more British veterans who served in the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme will be eligible to receive a commemorative medal.
The Nuclear Test Veterans Medal (NTVM) was first introduced in 2010 to recognise the contribution of those who participated in the UK’s nuclear test programme between 1952 and 1991.
However, many veterans who served in other roles within the nuclear deterrent programme, such as on submarines or at nuclear weapons storage sites, were not eligible for the medal.
The MoD has now extended the eligibility criteria for the NTVM to include all veterans who served in the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme between 1952 and 1991, regardless of their role.
This means that an additional 10,000 veterans will now be eligible for the medal.
The NTVM is a bronze medal with a ribbon in the colours of the Union Jack. It is inscribed with the words “Nuclear Test Veterans Medal” and the dates “1952-1991”.
Veterans who are eligible for the NTVM can apply for it through the Veterans UK website.
The MoD said that the extension of the eligibility criteria for the NTVM is a “fitting tribute” to the contribution of all those who served in the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Our nuclear deterrent has played a vital role in keeping our country safe for over 70 years. The veterans who served in this programme deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
“The extension of the eligibility criteria for the Nuclear Test Veterans Medal is a fitting tribute to their service.”
The National Association of Veterans’ Associations (NAVA) welcomed the announcement.
NAVA General Secretary Maurice Smith said: “This is a victory for common sense. We have been campaigning for many years for all veterans who served in the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme to be eligible for this medal.
“We are delighted that the MoD has finally listened to our calls.”
More British veterans to receive medal commemorating their nuclear service
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