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About Me

Most of my working life was spent in the nuclear industry. But I now volunteer for CND Peace Education. These are really quite opposite – the nuclear industry creates nuclear weapons, but CND wants them banned. What made me switch sides? A documentary called Countdown to Zero was the starting point for me. It jolted me to do some research of my own. The facts shocked me, especially concerning the terrible suffering of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I was also surprised about just how little I knew, even with my nuclear background, and I thought that probably most people didn’t know either. So that’s why I’m now involved in peace education – to share the facts so that people can make an informed opinion.

Past

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”  (George Santayana)

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 are the only times nuclear weapons have been used on real people. Most died a lingering and tortuous death. Survivors also suffered, even till today. To have any idea of what a nuclear weapon really is we must try to understand their suffering –  that’s the purpose of the three videos below. 

Hiroshima

The world’s first nuclear attack took place on the morning of 6 August 1945 at Hiroshima, Japan. To mark its 60th anniversary the BBC produced the award-winning docudrama 'Hiroshima'. Japanese survivors and Americans involved in the bombing relate their personal testimonies. The film depicts in unflinching detail the unfolding nightmare during the hours and days after the bombing. Can anyone watch this and still support nuclear weapons? (The video is rated 12 and contains some distressing images).

Sadako Sasaki

Sadako Sasaki was two years old when the bomb fell on Hiroshima. Ten years later she got leukaemia (cancer of the blood) because of the radiation from the bomb. She was told the Japanese legend that if a sick person folds 1000 paper cranes they will be made well again. Sadako didn't reach her final goal of 1000 cranes before she sadly died. Her friends wanted the world to remember Sadako and all the children who died from the bomb. They built a memorial statue, which stands today in Hiroshima. Each day thousands of cranes arrive at the statue from all over the world as a sign of peace.

Hibakusha (survivors)

After America dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the explosion instantly killed tens of thousands of people. In the following weeks, months and years, many more suffered and died as a result of their injuries. The 'hibakusha' are the surviving victims. Although they survived, they have suffered from the effects of radiation sickness, loss of family and friends, and discrimination. In spite of their difficulties, many hibakusha have turned their personal tragedies into a struggle for peace and a world free of nuclear weapons. 

Present Dangers

“I know not with what weapons WW3 will be fought, but WW4 will be fought with sticks and stones”  (Albert Einstein)

Although the Cold War has ended, the risks of nuclear war remain. Most people are probably not aware of these risks, judging by the lack of attention they get in the media. Either way the risks are real, serious and with us 24-7. They are divided into three main areas – Mishaps, Miscalculation and Madness.

Mishaps

Every moment of every day we face the very real threat of utter destruction. America and Russia each have a policy of 'launch on warning' - they will unleash Armageddon if they think they are being attacked. When both sides are on hair-trigger alert, accidents can and do happen. Check out these top ten.

Miscalculation

During the Cold War, even though neither America nor Russia wanted a nuclear war, it was a very close thing. World War 3 very nearly happened during the Cuban missile crisis. Today, the same threat is still with us. A confrontation between any nuclear-armed states can quickly spiral out of control. Former US Secretary of Defense William Perry describes one such scenario, between India and Pakistan. 

Madness

The thought of terrorists getting hold of a nuclear bomb would send a chill down anyone's spine. But surely that's not possible? Unfortunately not only is it possible, some experts think it is probable, unless we take action now. Former US Secretary of Defense William Perry describes his nuclear nightmare of a terrorist attack on the nation's capital, and the devastating results.

Future

“The best way to predict your future is to create it”  (Abraham Lincoln)

The worst case scenario is nuclear war. The best case scenario is the dismantling and disposal of all nuclear weapons and materials. But what would a nuclear war mean? And is nuclear disarmament realistic? Check out the two videos below to learn more.

War?

A nuclear war anywhere in the world would affect everyone in the world. The smoke and dust released into the atmosphere would block out sunlight, causing worldwide crop failures and mass starvation.  All it takes is 100 Hiroshima-sized bombs.  

Peace?

The world took an important step forward on 7th July 2017 by passing the first legally-binding international agreement to ban nuclear weapons. None of the nine nuclear weapons states signed, so right now the ban treaty has only limited effect. But the path to peace is now clearly lit - all a country needs to do is sign on the dotted line....

Gallery

Trinity nuclear test
Child's tricycle and helmet, Hiroshima peace museum

Women crawling in the ruins of Nagasaki
Frozen earth viewed from space


Other Photos:
Yoshito Matsushige took a photo of the mushroom cloud 2 minutes after the bomb at Hiroshima. He then went into the city and took five more photos of the immediate aftermath. These are the only known photos taken that day at ground level.
Yosuke Yamahata entered Nagasaki the day after the bomb. He took around a hundred photos over about twelve hours – the only record of the immediate aftermath of an atom bomb.
See also: gensuikin.org (with detailed explanations) and allthatsinteresting.com.

Gallery

Trinity nuclear test

Child's tricycle and helmet, Hiroshima peace museum

Women crawling in the ruins of Nagasaki

Frozen earth viewed from space


Other Photos:
Yoshito Matsushige took a photo of the mushroom cloud 2 minutes after the bomb at Hiroshima. He then went into the city and took five more photos of the immediate aftermath. These are the only known photos taken that day at ground level.
Yosuke Yamahata entered Nagasaki the day after the bomb. He took around a hundred photos over about twelve hours – the only record of the immediate aftermath of an atom bomb.
See also: gensuikin.org (with detailed explanations) and allthatsinteresting.com.

Action

Three simple steps you can take that will make a difference:

1. Get Organised. Join CND, or just stay up-to-date with their mailing list.

2. Get Talking. Talk to your friends about the issue. Invite a free speaker to your school, college, university or group.

3. Get Heard. Sign the petition to stop Trident. Write a letter to your MP, or visit them in person (see guide).

Contact

[email protected]

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