Operation Mosaic
Austrailian Atomic Veterans
Doug Brooks
Doug Brooks sent email about his participation during Operation Mosiac.
From: "dbrook" dbrook@world-link.com.au
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: aussie atomic vets
Date: Thu, 9 Jul 1998
Goodaye Keith,
Howya goin mate? John De Busk was kind enough to pass on
your contact. I will draft out info re my time at a - tests in 56. Us
Aussie vets are in the same boat as you guys. Governments just don't want
to know us. But thats not to say that we have given up the fight. Needless
to say thats what they trained us for in the first place. I'm very
involved here with my vet mates. We are busy developing a resource centre
where we can drop in and put our minds and skills to work. Named our
centre after a V.C winner in Vietnam. It's a great way to support your
mates and their families. I trust that God will keep you well.
Cheers from Downunder
Doug Brooks
Email: dbrook@world-link.com.au
From: "dbrook" dbrook@world-link.com.au
To: pdxavets@aracnet.com
Subject: operation 'mosaic'
Date: Sun, 12 Jul 1998
Goodaye Keith,
Just a brief outline re my a - tests involvement . I
was seconded to the British navy in early 1956 for logistic support at the
Monte Bello Islands for the purpose of detonation of two devices mounted on
100ft land sited towers. The first, G1, yielded 15kilotons. G2, yielded 98
kilotons. This 'baby' was the trigger the 'Poms' were wanting so they could
test ' H - bombs at Christmas Islands in 1957.
My exposure occured on 19th
June 1956 at 'G2' whilst at 9 miles from 'ground zero', dressed in shorts and sandals
on the upper deck of my ship taking full force of flash and shockwave. We
returned to 'ground zero' the same afternoon to retrieve instrumentation so
we got a 'double-dose', therebye becoming true 'guinea pigs'. ( I will
expand on this event later ).
Most of my ensuing service was with the
Fleet Air Arm in Malaya during the 'emergency'. Also I have been involved
in South East Asia with SEATO joint exercises. My last year and half was
spent with Admiral of the Fleets retinue staff. Overall my service has not
been recognised by our government. I spend my retirement years fighting the
'system', along with my surving mates.
Thats enough bitching for one day. I enjoyed your website and have added your stories to my file.
Cheers for now, God Bless and keep you well.
Doug Brooks
Email: dbrook@world-link.com.au
From: "dbrook" dbrook@world-link.com.au
To:
Subject: A- Vets Review
Date: Sun, 18 Jul 1999
G'day Keith ,
Back on deck once again . This week the Federal
Government has announced the review and study of the health of Vets . This
follows on from the study of reports out of Dundee University on our
British counterparts at Christmas Islands 1957 . There is some concern
about Monte Bello and Maralinga being sites utilized for a much larger
diversity of element testing . This we all know to be true .
In the
meantime the cleanup at Maralinga continues . And now , the ' brains ' of
this world want to dump more of the same in the area . " Dear Lord forgive
them for they know not what they do " .
Progress is being made into
the Review for Navy Vets Malaya . My submission has been registered . I
will be hosting our National Assn president next month for the hearing here
in Adelaide . In the meantime I have yet another session with Appeals
Tribunal re my claim for service pension . Needless to say , ' I still have
some ammunition left to fire at the enemy ' .
I trust that you and you
loved ones are well and that the summer season continues to be kind .
Sorry for the long delay on communication .
Cheers mate .
Doug Brooks
Email: dbrook@world-link.com.au
Keith Whittle
July 20,1998
[ Operation Redwing ]