British Nuclear Weapons Tests Medal. With 2 x clasps 'Grapple X & Y 1957/8' & 'Royal Air Force' (4176357 SAC Thornhill J. 1955-59. R.A.F.)

The medal retaining its original ribbon that is fitted with its white metal mounting bar with hinged pin and clasp, as issued

Sold together with its plush hinged case of issue, and a makers card insert showing that the medal issued was No 00453

The recipient was John Thornhill, who was born at Japalahar, Darjeeling, India,in 1938. John was the son of John Thornhill a professional soldier, who was in 1938 a senior non-commissioned-officer serving with the King's Own Scottish Borderers. His father was subsequently commissioned and served with 9th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers as an acting Captain. John senior served in France 1940 and had been wounded and captured at the fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942, and who subsequently served on the Thailand-Burma 'Death Railway', including incarceration at 'Hell-Fire Pass', and who ended the war when liberated as a Far East Prisoner of War in Japan, September 1945.

The full-size campaign and long service medals of the recipients father are offered for sale on the website, see item code 24549

This veterans medal pre-dates the retrospective award of the official Nuclear Test Medal that was instituted in 2022, during the reign of our King Charles III

A pristine example, and enhanced by the inclusion of the dated 'Operations' clasp that dates the service of this Royal Air Force serviceman

Condition: EF

Code: 24484