UK's Operation Grapple Veteran Peter Bolan Dies from Cancer Linked to Radiation Exposure
Peter Bolan, a veteran of the UK's Operation Grapple nuclear tests, passed away on October 24, 2025, from malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, a cancer potentially linked to his exposure to radiation and asbestos during his service on Christmas Island. He witnessed multiple nuclear detonations and received the Nuclear Test Medal in July 2023, shortly before his death, which has since been passed to his grandson.
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Peter Bolan, a veteran involved in the UK’s Operation Grapple nuclear tests from 1957-1958, died on October 24, 2025, from malignant epithelioid mesothelioma, a cancer potentially linked to both asbestos and radiation exposure. Bolan, who served on Christmas Island, was exposed to asbestos during his work as a joiner and was present during detonations of nine atomic and hydrogen bombs.
His son noted that Bolan described witnessing a nuclear explosion as a 'huge mushroom cloud.' In July 2023, the UK government awarded Bolan and other veterans the Nuclear Test Medal for their service. Bolan received his medal six months before passing, which has since been passed to one of his grandsons.
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