Now, for the first time, some of the few last survivors will tell their stories in a BBC show that probes the full horror of what they suffered.
It tells how the weapons testing programme launched in the 1950s, and covers the fallout, missing medical files, government cover-up and long campaign for truth.
As well as featuring the families of veterans, it shows the shattering human cost of Britain's quest to become a global nuclear power.
John Morris was 18 when he was sent to Australia's Christmas Island in 1956 during his national service.
He says the men were not told why they were going but after witnessing four detonations as part of Operation Grapple, he now describes himself and his comrades as "human guinea pigs".
In 1962, John became a father for the first time but soon afterwards tragedy struck.
In Britain's Nuclear Bomb Scandal: Our Story, he is overcome with emotion when speaking about the death of his newborn son.
John, now 86, tells the BBC2 film how Steven died suddenly in his cot aged four months, having shown no previous signs of ill health.
"The undertaker came with his coffin, a little white box," he says.
"It was the hardest day of my life.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 12, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Mirror UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 12, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Mirror UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
BARRY: WE'RE NOT AN ISLAND
Hearn: Fans must move with the times and accept foreign owners
STING WHEN I'M WINNING
Rory goes for his sixth European Order of Merit crown... but admits US Open meltdown still hurts
On stage, on screen, on canal boat... just the best
Over a 60-year career on stage and screen, Timothy West has taken on many titles - King, Prime Minister, Professor, Private. He was a captain of industry, a father figure and a love interest.
'I should have been braver over Letby'
THE TV doctor who helped expose Lucy Letby has told an inquiry he should have had more courage in voicing his concerns.
CAR THAT PROVES WHY Cop MATTERS
Spain set for more floods | PM calls for climate action
My Chitty Chitty banger
Model-maker, 92, turns old scooter into magical car
'Woman trafficked by AI Fayed saw enough photos of victims to fill shoebox'
Accuser calls on brother to give evidence of the alleged crimes of store tycoon
MEDICS ALLOWED AN OPT OUT ON ASSISTED DYING
Streeting: Moral objections a 'red line'
ELONATICS TAKING OVER THE USYLUM
Ridicule as Musk joins Trump's team | He surrounds himself with loyalists
PHARMACISTS VOTE FOR WORK TO RULE
Cuts and closures force move