Fallout: Living in the Shadow of the Bomb

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Documentaries

Factual

Factual: History

An examination of the fallout from Britain's atomic testing programme, which began in 1952

An examination of the fallout from Britain's atomic testing programme, begun seventy years ago in October 1952.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Fallout: Living in the Shadow of the Bomb: Episode 3: Secrets of Maralinga

Episode 3: Secrets of Maralinga

BBC Radio 4 - Fallout: Living in the Shadow of the Bomb, Episode 3: Secrets of Maralinga

An examination of the fallout from Britain's atomic testing programme which began in 1952.

An examination of the fallout from Britain's atomic testing programme, which began in Australia in October 1952.

The atomic weapons tests that took place in Maralinga, South Australia between 1956 and 1963 included two major series, Operation Buffalo and Operation Antler which forged the way to Britain's first hydrogen bomb, later detonated off Kiritimati - Christmas Island - in the South Pacific.

Hundreds of so-called Minor or Safety Trials also took place in Australia, contaminating the environment with plutonium and other radioactive debris - the true extent of which was only uncovered much later on.

As well as the lasting impact on both Australian and British service personnel (including presenter Steve Purse's own father), these trials also caused immeasurable cultural damage to the Maralinga Tjarutja and other first nations groups, many of whom were forcibly removed from their traditional lands.

With Brian Tomlinson, a former 'sapper' who was stationed at Maralinga during operation Antler; former RAAF-serviceman and whistle blower, Avon Hudson; and Karina Lester, the daughter of the late aboriginal campaigner, Yami Lester.

Presented by Steve Purse
Produced by Hannah Dean
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Fallout: Living in the Shadow of the Bomb

Episode 3: Secrets of Maralinga

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4