THE family of the late Reginald Crabb of Holsworthy have received The Nuclear Test Medal on his behalf from the government.

Born in 1921 at Penrose Terrace, Bodmin Street, Holsworthy. Reginald was the son of Mary and William Henry Crabb, who had seven sons and two daughters who grew up in Holsworthy some worked locally and were well known in the community.

It is for his work during the government’s Nuclear Test Programme (Operation Grapple) that Reginald has now been issued with The Nuclear Award Medal.

Providing more information about his father’s life and career, son Ray told the Post: “Dad left school at 16 and worked temporarily for the local merchant Oke & Sons before joining the Royal Air Force April 1939 six months before WWII and trained as aircraft handler, he later  went to Iran, Persia, Oman (Masirah Island) and then to India when the war ended.

“On return to the UK in March 1946 he was demobilised, June 1946 re-enlisted and was re-trained in the trade of Survival Equipment, 1952 posted to RAF St Mawgan then St Eval, fortunately close to home.

“In 1958 he was sent to Christmas Island (South Pacific) as part of the government’s Nuclear Test Programme (Operation Grapple) along with many other servicemen, not aware of what they were witnessing and of the potential health consequences.

“Dad left the Royal Air Force in 1974 after a long career and lived in Swindon with his wife Eva, he enjoyed visiting his home in Holsworthy sadly walking around the churchyard remembering past family and friends, dad passed away in 1999.”