Francis, John Leonard (Oral history)

British NCO served with 38th Regt, Royal Engineers on Christmas Island, Gilbert Islands, 1957-1958

REEL 1 Background in GB, 1938-1957: family; education; enlistment in Royal Engineers, 1956. Aspects of voyage aboard HMT Dunera from GB to Christmas Island, Gilbert Islands, 1957: proposed role of unit on Christmas Island; embarkation at Southampton; conditions on board; ashore in Curacao; negotiating Panama Canal; crossing Pacific. Recollections of period as NCO with 38th Regt, Royal Engineers on Christmas Island, Gilbert Islands, 1957-1958: first impressions of island; life in tented camp; problems with insect life. REEL 2 Continues: limited social activities; Motor Transport Section work he did; plans for first nuclear test and escape routes; a case of absence without leave; description of first test experienced; aftermath of test and state of health at time; removal of Gilbert Islanders to HMT Dunera; preparations for second test; witnessing second test. REEL 3 Continues: story of escorting prisoner to Singapore, Malaya via Brisbane, Australia in Handley Page Hastings; return flight back to Christmas Island via, Australia; cobalt bomb test; question of his being used a ‘guinea pig’ and lack of effects; sight of injured birds. REEL 4 Continues: re-entering explosion zone after tests; recreational activities and attitude to leaving island; return journey to GB; reception on arrival in GB.