• RAAF provided 7 Lincoln aircraft (82(B) Wing) at Broome for air sampling tasks, 2 Dakota aircraft at Onslow for aerial radiation surveys (86(T) Wing), 1 Dakota at Pearce for courier duties, and 5 Lincoln aircraft at Townsville for air sampling tasks.  They also established a temporary RAAF station at Broome to service 86(T) and 82(B) wings (5.0.12). Aircraft crew did not wear film badges or dosimeters (5.0.20). No aircraft decontamination was undertaken. (11.1.3)
• '...RAAF air and ground crews were not included in the operational orders which required that radiological safety regulations set down for Hurricane be observed.  Some contamination of aircraft and crew based at Broome did occur although probably well within the limits set down in the regulations.' (5.0.22)
• There is clear evidence that Townsville and New Zealand air sampling operations collected very low radiation levels and aircraft contamination was well below permissible levels.(5.5.44)
• Extrapolation from limited available data suggests it was 'likely that the surface contamination on theLincolns gave very low dose rates and that the maximum dose to the aircrew was well below the normal working dose specified in the Hurricane Radiological Safety Orders.  The contamination levels were such that ground crew working in the aircraft after their return would only have received radiation exposures that were well within the approved lowest radiation dosage level for Hurricane participants, called 'the Normal Working Rate'' (5.5.47)
• 'Air and ground crew of Lincoln aircraft used for Hurricane suffered exposure to radiation but the dose which they received is now impossible to determine accurately.  It is unlikely that the dose exceeded the level of dose which others involved in the program were authorised to receive.' (5.5.57)
• The 82(B) Wing Lincolns that flew from/to Broome were (5.5.53):

A73-55:Sqd Ldr WM Dixon

A73-54 — Sqd Ldr D A Glenn

A73-52 — Gp Capt G C Hartnell

A73-41 — FO E D McHardie

A73-53 — Flt Lt S W Trewin

A73-61 — Flt Lt E B Goldner

A73-51 — Flt Lt H R Winchcombe

• The 86(T) Wing Dakotas that flew from Onslow to Broome (and subsequently back to Onslow) were A65-76 and A65-99 (5.5.48).  On the return flight, A65-99 'encountered 'intense radioactivity' at 10 000 feet so that the sensitive monitoring equipment on board reacted to the contamination on the aircraft.' (5.5.48)
• 5 Lincolns flew through the mushroom cloud to perform samples:  A73-41, A73-51, A73-53, A73-54, and A73-61.(11.1.1)
• In addition to the 5 Lincolns that flew from Broome through the cloud approx 16.5 hours after the explosion, the remaining 2 Broome Lincolns flew approx 44 hours after the explosion 1300 nautical miles west-north-west of Broome, and experienced far less radiation (5.3.5).  A final sampling flight flew from Broome 70 hours post explosion and went over the Monte Bellos and collected far less radioactivity (5.3.5).
• 2 Dakota aircraft flew from Onslow to Broome approx. 24 hours after the explosion (5.3.2), and then returned to Onslow through the cloud (5.3.3).
• 'The first interception of the cloud by the Lincoln aircraft was estimated to have occurred about sixteen and a half hours after the explosion.  The aircraft were in the vicinity of the cloud for about five and a half hours.  About two days after the explosion three aircraft were sent to search an area north-west of the Broome at 500 feet.  Finally, one aircraft was dispatched at about three and a half days to take samples about 9000 feet between Onslow and Broome after the coastal monitoring Dakota aircraft had detected activity at that level.' (5.5.43)
• 5 Lincolns from Townsville also did air samples, three of which identified significant radiation between Townsville and Rockhampton.  They flew 6 flights, 3 of which did not detect any radioactivity (5.3.6).
• 4 RAAF staff were also part of the JSTU which was stationed at South East Island from 5 November 1952.  They were FO J E Nicholls, FO E K Peck, Gp Capt King and Gp Capt Bird (5.5.26-27).  Records are contradictory as to the health effects of their service in the contaminated area, but the Commission accepted earlier conclusions that there is no objective evidence in the medical record of ill effects (5.5.29).  'On an examination of all the evidence, the protection measures seem to have been adequate' (5.5.31)
• The Royal New Zealand Air Force also flew 4 aircraft to do air samples 3500 miles form ground zero, three of which collected significant radioactivity (5.3.7).

• RAAF contribution included 10 Lincoln bombers based at Woomera and Richmond for air sampling, 2 Dakotas based at Woomera for ground contamination surveys, and air and ground crew support (6.0.16).  The home base for these aircraft was at Amberley (6.0.17).
• RAF Totem contribution: 1 Canberra aircraft to do cloud sample ASAP after detonation (6.5.39).  This flew to/from Woomera (6.5.41).  There were extensive precautions to prevent contamination of the aircrew (6.5.51).   It flew through the Totem 1 cloud 6 minutes after detonation (6.5.54)
• USASF also contributed 2xB29 aircraft and 2xC54 aircraft (transport), flying in/out of Richmond (6.5.42).  These aircraft did not get closer than 400 miles from ground zero (6.5.43), and their crew were equipped with dosimeters and film badges (6.0.18).
• The following is the list of air sampling air detatchments:

82(B) Wing:Detachment A at Woomera

82(T) Wing:Detachment A at Woomera

RAF Canberra Element at Woomera

82(B) Wing — Detachment B at Richmond

USAF Element at Richmond

86(T) Wing at Woomera  (6.5.44)

• Australian detachments were to undertake 3 main tasks:

Task Totem Alpha:  2 Dakotas at Woomera to conduct aerial survey of area most likely to be contaminated by Totem

Task Totem Beta:  Lincoln aircraft at Woomera and Richmond to conduct air samples through the cloud

Task Totem Gamma:Transport support (6.5.46)

• 'RAAF personnel were not included in Radiological Safety orders for Emu, no health control procedures were instituted at Woomera and Richmond for RAAF aircraft and crews, and no personal monitoring devices were issued to RAAF personnel prior to Totem 1 (6.0.20).

• Totem 1:

1.              'The concentration of radioactivity remained high and even aircraft obtaining samples at 1000 miles from Ground Zero were found to be heavily contaminated'(6.1.22).

2.              'The cloud was tracked by aircraft from Woomera and Richmond.  Sampling flights were also carried out by two USAF aircraft.  The cloud crossed the coastline near Townsville about 50 hours after the explosion.  Sampling flights were also carried out in the Fiji area but no activity was found.' (6.1.23)

3.              'In contrast to the careful planning of operations at Emu, no special arrangements were made to ensure the radiation safety of aircrew in Lincolns prior to Totem 1.'(6.5.32)

4.              After the Canberra landed subsequent to Totem 1  'It was then washed at least 4 times to remove radioactive particles.  This was done by 6 RAAF personnel from the ARDU who had been briefed by the RH Group at Emu.' (6.5.54)

5.              The Canberra flight crew received high does of gamma radiation, and but there was an unexplained discrepancy between the dosimeter and film badge readings (6.5.55)

6.              Canberra landed at Woomera, where decontamination did take place.  This included wash-down with solution, scrubbing and rinsing with high-pressure hose, then 48 hour isolation followed by full surface rub-down (11.1.4).

7.              3 ground crew carried out the Australian component of the decontamination, in full protective gear and using long handled brushes.  Final decontamination occurred in the UK. (11.1.4)

8.              'Unexpected contamination of the Lincolns engaged on air sampling duties occurred after the Totem 1 explosion.  Partial decontamination was carried out at Woomera under the direction of officers of the UK Radiation Hazards Group.  Further decontamination was carried out later at RAAF Amberley under the direction of two AWRE officers, Butler and Austin.' (6.0.22)

9.              Woomera Detachment A Lincolns flew through the Totem 1 cloud 400 statute miles from Ground Zero (6.5.57) - 5 Lincolns made 15 traverses in total, 2 of the aircraft spent 10 minutes in the cloud, the remaining 3 spent 30, 45, and 55 minutes respectively (6.5.59-60).

10.              Radiation contamination of Lincolns and crew was far higher than expected (6.5.61-62).  'From the official reports, it is clear that inadequate safety precautions were adopted for the aircrews who flew the Totem Beta One operations out of Woomera.' (6.5.71)

11.              Special laundry procedures, overalls, and regular personnel contamination tests were issued/conducted for decontamination personnel (6.5.64-66)

12.              'The problems which arose in the contamination of the aircraft during the flight through the cloud and the radiation exposures of the air and ground crews should have been anticipated. ...However, the weight of evidence suggests that the actual radiation doses received by RAAF air and ground crew working our of Woomera were ...within the lowest category of exposure set down in the Totem Radiological Safety Orders, with the possible exception of one ground crew member who might have received a dose just into the lower integrated dose category.  ...their exposures need to be considered in the light of contemporary knowledge of the effect of low dose levels.' (6.5.80)

13.              One Richmond Lincoln flew through the cloud west of Longreach (6.5.84).  The remaining Lincolns were subsequently moved to Townsville, and all 5 then made contact with the cloud.  Upon return to Richmond, all showed contamination (6.5.86).  After isolation, they were returned to Amberley on 20/10. (6.5.86).

14.              The USAF B29's also flew from Richmond through what was thought to be the cloud, but was found to be 'small isolated hot spots'. (6.5.88-89).

15.              Totem 1: '4 witnesses said that they had worked on aircraft at Woomera after they had returned from cloud sampling and before the decontamination system was in operation' (6.5.127)

16.              'Air and ground crew of Lincoln aircraft used for Totem 1 suffered exposure to radiation but the doses which they received are now impossible to determine accurately.  It is unlikely that the doses exceeded the level of dose which others involved in the program were authorised to receive.' (6.5.158e)

• Totem 2:

1.              Totem 2 RAAF contribution re aircraft:  2x5 Lincoln aircraft (Woomera - air sampling), and 2 x Dakotas (ground contamination surveys) (6.5.38)..  There were no special arrangements made to decontaminate the Lincolns or their crews flying out of Woomera (6.5.52)

2.              In the case of Totem 2, only 2 Lincolns flew through the cloud, and these flew from Woomera (6.5.94)- one spent 45 minutes in the cloud, the other 1 hour, and both accessed the cloud 10.5 hours after detonation.(6.5.96).  Two other Lincolns acted as couriers (also from Woomera) but did not enter the cloud, and the USAF planes also did air sampling from Richmond (6.5.94-95).

3.              Dakota aircraft flew distant ground contamination tests subsequent to Totem 2 (6.2.1).  Ground contamination was evident up to 16 — 0 miles from ground zero (6.2.16)

4.              Both Lincolns that entered the cloud were heavily contaminated, and although the captains' dosimeters showed no significant gamma reception, lots of the flying clothing was unfit for further use (6.5.97).

5.              The B29's landed at Townsville, and contamination was considered sufficiently low for no special precautions to be taken (6.5.104).

6.              There was a radioactive laundry in use at Woomera - it was used to launder contaminated clothing (6.5.28).

• 'Under conditions in which the wind direction was constant with height, Report A32 predicted that the fallout from a 5kt explosion would exceed the 'zero risk' level to a distance of 120 miles.' (6.2.13)
• The Totem Alpha Task involved air search for ground contamination as a result of the Totem tests - these test were conducted by 2 Dakotas that were move to  Woomera in preparation (6.5.105-106) (a third Dakota was also moved there as a reserve craft) (6.5.108).  2  Dakotas were then moved to Emu Field, where they flew from, with a third flying from Woomera as a reserve (6.5.107-108).  The aircraft refuelled at Oonadatta, then returned to Emu Field (6.5.108).  Further surveys were conducted from Woomera, landing at Alice Springs (6.5.111), Coober Pedy, Emu Field and Tarcoola (6.5.113)
• It is evident that ground crew at Woomera were exposed to unacceptably high levels of radiation (6.5.121-122).
• 'Those people exposed to radiation as a result of their participation in the totem tests have an increased risk of cancer as a result of that exposure...' (6.5.158)
• At the end of October, the aircraft from both Woomera and Richmond were flown to their home base at Amberley.  At Amberley, the aircraft, equipment and aircrew were checked prior to leaving the airfield, a decontamination laundry was set up and all personnel were checked twice daily (11.1.14-15).

• At Amberley:

1.              By 9/11/53, only one of the aircraft was regarded as clean (11.1.16).

2.              There were recommendations for safe handling of aircraft during the decontamination period at Amberley, including use of protective clothing and monitoring, although these were discontinued by mid-November for most activities inside the aircraft, and levels of monitoring varied according to aircraft and section worked upon (11.1.18).

3.              Training was provided to personnel in radiation hazards (11.1.20), and a special decontamination centre was established in 1954 (11.1.22-23).

4.              A formal guideline re decontamination 'Radiological Safety in Relation to the Results of Atomic Explosions' was issued as a result of the Totem experience, providing guidelines re all aspects of decontamination procedures, disposal of radioactive waste, protection of personnel and procedures for personnel to adopt (11.1.24).  Amberley was to be the location of decontamination wherever possible in future.

5.              It appears that RAAF personnel who worked on contaminated Lincolns at Amberley underwent regular medical tests, wore film badges and dosimeters, with film badge results documented monthly (11.1.29).  Those personnel identified by Ravenscroft as doing most work on the contaminated aircraft are recorded as receiving does at or below set limits for all but one month the records are available for (they were slightly over one month) (11.1.30).

6.              Once the Lincolns were decontaminated, the personnel decontaminated the instrument painting section of the luminous dial area, which would have entailed significantly higher risk (11.1.30).

• All operational flying related to the Mosaic tests was an RAF, not RAAF responsibility.  RAF Canberra aircraft were flown from RAAF Pearce, and were flown to Amberley for decontamination (7.0.12).  RAF Varsities and helicopters carried out ground decontamination surveys, and RAF Canberras and Varsities tracked the clouds (7.0.12). 
• RAAF air support consisted of transportation, signals, security patrols, and search and rescue and air traffic control. (7.0.12)

• Mosaic G1:

1.              4 RAF Canberra bombers flew from Pearce: 2 conducted cloud sampling (approx 20 minutes after firing)and 2 provided support (7.6.20).

2.              The Canberras were monitored and decontaminated upon return to RAAF Pearce (7.6.20)

3.              A Varsity aircraft surveyed the Onslow to Broome coastline one day after detonation, and detected no radiation (7.4.9)

• Mosaic G2:

1.              2 Canberra aircraft flew through cloud (7.6.23)

2.              Another Canberra following the cloud was 'moderately contaminated' (7.6.24)

3.              'Procedures at RAAF Pearce to cope with the contamination of aircraft and crews were the responsibility of Stevenson (RC319).  The facilities were limited but adequate since decontamination was not attempted.  Rather, the aircraft were sprayed with a  barrier paint between the tests to seal the contamination.  Final decontamination was postponed until after Operation Buffalo because of the difficulty of disposing of contaminated effluent at Pearce.' (7.6.26)

4.              Varsity aircraft conducted aerial survey Onslow to Darwin and back again, and declared 'Zero Risk Level' (7.4.24).

• By the time of the Mosaic tests, decontamination and safety procedures were well established (11.1.34 , 7.6.27).
• Decontamination for the Mosaic test aircraft occurred at Pearce Field (11.1.36), and involved use of barrier paint.  This was not removed until after the Buffalo tests (11.1.36).
• Those who worked on aircraft wore protective clothing and respirators as required (subject to measurement of radiation levels), and film badges were worn by all those entering the active area.  No eating drinking or smoking was permitted in the active area (11.1.38).

• Buffalo:

1.              Air operations at the trials were RAF responsibility.  Main operational air base was RAAF Edinburgh at Maralinga (8.0.6)

2.              Canberra aircraft carried out sampling and tracking duties.  Varsities carried out radiological surveys and medium height cloud tracking.  Buffalo 3 was dropped from a Valiant bomber (8.0.6).

3.              'The Decontamination Group at Maralinga was responsible for all decontamination of aircraft there, and in addition a decontamination centre staffed by RAF and RAAF personnel was set up at ARRF Edinburgh to deal with lesser contaminated aircraft.  Staff at Edinburgh were trained by and worked under the supervision of a member of the Decontamination Group.' (8.0.7).

4.              After Buffalo 1, Varsity aircraft and whirlwind helicopters were used to register fallout up to 200miles from ground zero, but did not go though the cloud (8.3.4-5).

5.              'Air patrols <for aboriginal people> were not continuous nor is there any record that they were carried out before each Buffalo test.' (8.4.77)

6.              At least 6 people involved in decontaminating aircraft at Amberley after the blasts made allegations at the Royal Commission re shortcomings in safety procedures (8.5.93).

7.              Two witnesses may have worked on aircraft which had been contaminated.  Another witness decontaminated machinery and other equipment from the Forward Area without wearing protective clothing other than rubber boots.  These witnesses may have been exposed to radiation which was not recorded.' (8.5.95)

8.              Ground and aerial searches for Aborigines north of the transcontinental railway line were conducted within one hundred and seventy miles of the firing sites.  The aerial searches wee carried out by the RAF using Varsity aircraft.' (8.0.9)

• Antler:

1.              'The Services Commander was Air Commodore W P Sutcliffe, RAF.  Under his command the RAF Task Group operated to provide all the air support required for the operation, including cloud tracking with Canberra and Varsity aircraft.' (9.0.12)

2.              'Four Shackleton aircraft were used to make meteorological reconnaissance flights over the oceans to the south of the continent.  There were also various aircraft sorties to determine wind and weather from Maralinga and Edinburgh' (9.1.16)

3.              After each test, Varsity aircraft and whirlwind helicopters conducted aerial surveys  (9.2.4).  'As soon as the distant fallout had been deposited, the aircraft surveyed the fallout by flying across the pattern at various distances from Ground Zero.  The spacing between the flights across the fallout was about 5 miles(8km) out to 60 miles (96km)and then increased to 10 miles (16km) at further distances.' (9.2.5).

4.              In the case of Antler 1, the aerial survey using Varsity aircraft was carried out to a distance of 120 miles from Ground Zero (9.2.9).

5.              In the case of Antler 2, the cloud was tracked by aircraft at the top of the cloud and also towards the bottom of the cloud (9.2.14).

6.              The cloud from Antler 3 was also tracked by aircraft (9.2.24).

7.              Aircraft were used to conduct air patrols for aboriginal people before each test (9.3.29-30), but these were actually far less extensive than originaly planned (9.3.33-37).

8.              'One particular allegation involved an RAAF driver/mechanic who alleges that he led a convoy into the Ground Zero area to perform duties shortly after the blast.  He claims to have eaten an apple while there and to have been monitored and found to be 'way over the limit'  although no protective clothing appears to have been worn, it is significant o not e that he was monitored and therefore it is reasonable to assume that he was under some from of supervision and control while undertaking those duties.' (9.4.9)

9.              'A further allegation was that personnel were required to steam clean vehicles and aircraft without respirators or with ineffective respirators.  It is clear from the evidence that respirators and protective clothing were issued in areas where decontamination duties involved a hazard to personnel.  This does not, however, cover the allegation that the respirators may not have been totally effective or practical for the work required to be done.' (9.4.11)

10.              Re Antler 3 (quoted within RC): 'Only one sampling aircraft was used in this operation... then the crew recalled to base early as they received a higher radioactive dose-rate than normal.  This aircraft collected all the samples required for the scientists.  Cloud tracking by Varsity and Canberras was successful.' (9.4.20).

11.              Re Antler 3:  'There was also evidence that an RAAF crew was exposed: “A Royal Australian Air force crew, led by Wing Commander H.D. Marsh, D.F.C., performed a sampling mission in a Canberra during Round II.  This was the first time that an RAAF crew had flown through an atomic cloud and a suitable press announcement was made.”' (9.4.20)

12.              After the Antler tests, some cobalt pellets were discovered by accident.  These were collected and flown to the UK in special aircraft containing large lead containers. (9.5.8).

• By the time of the Buffalo and Antler tests, decontamination and safety procedures were well established (11.1.34).
• Decontamination of the aircraft used in these tests occurred at Maralinga and also involved the use of barrier paint (11.1.36) that was subsequently removed in the later stages of decontamination procedures (11.1.36).

Those who worked on aircraft wore protective clothing and respirators as required (subject to measurement of radiation levels), and film badges were worn by all those entering the active area.  No eating drinking or smoking was permitted in the active area (11.1.38)