Page 27 - BNVTA News November 2020

Dear Editor
I noticed a photo taken by Dave Trinder in the BNTVA Summer 2020 issue on page 10-11. He was in the REME with me on Christmas Island 1958-59. He was very good with the camera.
I have a set of photos he had taken, when we had a week’s holiday at Honolulu. I wonder if there are some of the crew still around who are with the BNTVA? These are some of the names of those who were out there with me – DAVE TRINDER – CHUCK MILEHAM – NOBBY CLARKE – JOCK BAIL- LIE – PIMLOT – McDONALD – SHATTELL – PRICE – GUEST – SHEPHERD – CATTON. I apologise if I have not spelt their names correctly.
The REME was a small unit on the Island, but very effective keeping transport going. If any of these men want to get in touch with me, they can contact me by letter or phone, as I do not have a computer. We had some good times swimming, BBQs on the beach; we built our own club house so we could get together over a pint of beer and music. I have enclosed 2 photos of me and some of the lads.
Yours sincerely,
With best wishes,
D. Neale, RE “Burchett”
18 Hall Lane, Hingham Norfolk, NR9 4JX 01953 850885
Peter Bullen, veteran of Christmas Island, writes, “It looks like we will have to live with the coronavirus for a long time, which is causing great hardship, and in the case of the elderly, loss of life. This makes me wonder how our veterans are coping with either being ill, or being in isolation and loneliness.
The BNTVA mentioned needing ideas for the good of veterans. I feel the BNTVA needs to broaden its base in the interest of all veterans, inside and outside the BNTVA. We must try and find as many veterans as possible, and help is needed.
I understand there are only twenty two thousand took part in the nuclear tests; of these, there are only around two to three thousand alive now.
As mentioned, we are now old and some are ill and very lonely. I feel we have a duty to find these veterans to try and bring them together and see what we can do to help them.
We could seek the help of the Daily Mirror and maybe the British Legion
to track down these veterans. I do hope you can help the Chairman unite us all to find these veterans.”
With best wishes, Peter Bullen (veteran).
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CAMPAIGN AUTUMN 2020