We were MoD germ test guinea pigs
LEWIS HANNAM
13 March 2006 10:27
Three more Norfolk men have spoken of their anger after claiming they were
guinea pigs for the Ministry of Defence.
The RAF veterans were exposed to the lethal sarin gas after volunteering
for medical tests conducted by the Ministry of Defence.
The experiments were carried out at the MoD's Porton Down base, which also
co-ordinated the controversial cadmium drops over Norwich in the 1960s.
John Hawkins, 71, of Wedgewood Court, Gorleston, was subjected to a week
of tests in 1956.
Like other volunteers, he thought he was taking part in routine medical
trials to find a cure for the common cold.
The former RAF national serviceman said: “What really annoys me is that
we were not told about the severity of this gas and how dangerous it was.
“We were moved into a closed chamber and had to breathe it in.
“I remember it gave me the symptoms of a cold and it affected my vision.
“On the train home, an old lady came up to me and told me there was a problem
with my eyes - she could not see my pupils!”
Mr Hawkins, who was 19 at the time, said although he suffered health problems
in later life, there was no direct link to the gas tests.
Sarin is an extremely toxic chemical, deemed a weapon of mass destruction
by the United Nations, which attacks the nervous system by making muscles
relax.
Military staff were asked to volunteer for the tests in exchange for extra
pay and holiday.
Anthony Edwards, 65, of Calthorpe Street, Ingham, took part in two weeks
of tests at Porton Down in 1960. He was just 18 at the time and went on to
serve for five years in the RAF.
He said: “They put a drop of the sarin on my skin. I remember it gave me
a screaming headache and I felt awful.
“It was not until later that I found out what they had been testing - I
object to them doing it without my consent.
“I have had all sorts of weird health problems. I had a coronary when I
was 29. But there is nothing that can be directly linked to the sarin tests.”
Robert Hearn, 68, of Howard Way, Aylsham, said: “I was one of the people
who had to undergo it, but I can't honestly say that it affected me in any
way.
“I was just 18 at the time. It was national service and you did what you
were told to do.
“We were put in a gas chamber, exposed to these noxious fumes and then we
got an extra few days off or half a crown or whatever for doing it.”
Earlier this month, the Evening News told how pensioner John Shaw, from
Sunninghall Close, Bradwell, had also been subjected to the tests.
He said the gas caused him to go blind for two days and he had suffered
with headaches ever since.
Mr Shaw, who was stationed at RAF Neatishead in the 60s, thought he was
taking part in tests to find a cure for the common cold.
Last month, a judicial review concluded that RAF veteran Ronald Maddison
died in 1953 by unlawful killing as a result of the tests.
Despite the decision, the Porton Down Veterans Support Group, which represents
about 500 volunteers, says it would still be very difficult for other victims
and their families to win compensation.
An MoD spokeswoman said: “The tests carried out adhered to the highest ethical
standards of the time.
“If volunteers wish to know any more about the trials, or want to see their
records, they can call the helpline on (0800) 7832521.”
Ü Were you part of the tests? Telephone Evening News reporter Lewis
Hannam on (01603) 772428 or email lewis.hannam@archant.co.uk