Dingwall woman accepts Nuclear Test Medal on behalf of late brother
THE Dingwall sister of a man involved in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s has received a posthumous medal on his behalf.
It was a proud, bittersweet moment for Ina Mutch who lives in the town’s Macdonald Road as she received the accolade from the King’s representative in Ross-shire.
It was in recognition of brother Lachlan Carmichael Watson’s role in a trailblazing programme.
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Cammy, as he was better known, extended his service for another five years, agreeing to do nuclear testing in the Australian Outback in the 1950s.
The Nuclear Test Medal recognises military, civilian, and overseas staff and personnel who participated in Britain’s nuclear testing programme in the ‘50s and ‘60s.
Lord Lieutenant Joanie Whiteford said: “I am absolutely delighted to present Ina Mutch with a Nuclear Test Medal posthumously for her older brother.
“He was born on September 25, 1939, one of seven brothers and two sisters, Ina being the only remaining sibling. He left school to do a Plumbing apprenticeship, then joined the forces, initially for two years, at the age of 20, becoming a firefighter in the Royal Air Force.”
He extended his service, agreeing to do Nuclear Testing in the Australian Outback.
Mrs Whiteford added: “His family remember him describing that when the bomb went off, the flash was so bright that you could see the skeleton of the man standing next to you.”
He returned from Australia, settling in Ralston, near Paisley, got married, worked as a plumber, but had no children.
On his return, he suffered with chest infections and had lengthy spells in hospital, as the exposure to nuclear fallout had severely compromised his immune system.
He knew he was eligible for this Nuclear Test Medal, but sadly did not live long enough to receive it, dying in Glasgow on October 14, 2021 having contracted the Covid virus.
Ina applied for the medal, supported by her nephew, who himself is in the Royal Air Force.
Mrs Whiteford said: “It is my great pleasure to present, you, Ina, with your brother, Cammy’s most deserved Nuclear Test Medal.”
