A Swindon-based nuclear testing veteran has been honoured by the King and the Prime Minister in a recent memorial.

David Taunt, 80, of Blunsdon, served in the Royal Navy and was stationed on Christmas Island during the Cold War at the age of 19.

“I witnessed 24 nuclear explosions at close range and I’m still breathing,” he said.

“We were unfortunate enough to witness this happening.”

Mr Taunt attended a gathering earlier this month to mark the 70th anniversary of the UK’s first successful atomic test.

This event, which was held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Monday, November 21, was also attended by prime minister Rishi Sunak, which came as a surprise to everyone.

“The prime minister turned up unexpectedly and we all got quite excited about that,” remarked Mr Taunt.

Swindon Advertiser: David Taunt (pictured) was at the event after serving during the Cold War.David Taunt (pictured) was at the event after serving during the Cold War. (Image: David Taunt)

Mr Sunak announced at the event that thousands of veterans will receive a medal for their service marking their involvement in the UK’s nuclear test programme.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am incredibly proud that we are able to mark the service and dedication of our nuclear test veterans with this new medal.

“Their commitment and service has preserved peace for the past 70 years, and it is only right their contribution to our safety, freedom and way of life is appropriately recognised with this honour.

“This medal is an enduring symbol of our country’s gratitude to each and every person who played a part in this effort and their loved ones who supported them.”

This comes after 70 years of the veterans battling for recognition, as other nations around the world gave notice to their own veterans.

“We have been fighting for recognition with the previous governments who denied radiation-caused conditions,” explained Mr Taunt.

“This recognition makes me feel delighted and the profile of the British Nuclear test Veterans Association has been raised tremendously thanks to Mr Sunak and the King.”

The medal has been sanctioned by King Charles III, marking the deserved recognition that these veterans have been deprived of for seven decades.

“Up until Monday, the UK was the only nuclear weapon country that had not recognised or honoured its testing veterans.”

Over 22,000 veterans, scientists and civilians will be eligible for the Nuclear Test Medal, with people from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Kiribati all included.