An inquest into the deaths of two former servicemen exposed to nuclear tests in the 1950s has recorded an open conclusion.

The cases of Frank Carmichael, who died at home in Havant Walk, Maidstone, in 2009, and Herbert Tomlin, who was from Faversham and died in the Pilgrims Hospice, Canterbury, the same year, were heard together by assistant coroner Andrew Campbell-Tiech QC, although the two men never met.

Both were present on Christmas Island in 1958 when they were among more than 3,000 men who took part in H-bomb tests by the British government.

They are among 1,011 men being represented by barrister Neil Sampson from law firm Rosenblatt, which has been fighting for compensation for the victims, many of whom went on to develop ill health, and their families.

"From a personal point of view perhaps what is wanted more than anything is an official statement which I am personally sorry I cannot provide" - assistant coroner Andrew Campbell-Tiech QC

Royal Marine Mr Tomlin piloted the landing craft from HMS Resolution in the Pacific Ocean in 1958 and lost his teeth 10 years later, suffering lung problems from the 1970s onwards.

Mr Carmichael was a Royal Engineer who went on to develop oesophageal cancer in 2006. He died six years and one day before the hearing.

His wife, Ann, said: “He did talk about it. They had to sit on the beach and turn their back and cover their eyes – that was their only protection.”

The case heard numerous reports had been compiled on the effects on the men, who may have come into contact with radioactive particles from swimming in the sea, eating fish or getting irradiated sand in a cut.

However, the British government has not offered compensation nor given the veterans special recognition.

Recording his conclusion, Mr Campbell-Tiech apologised for not being able to record a different conclusion.

Watch: The Orange Herald test in 1957, recorded by Universal International Newsreel

“From a personal point of view perhaps what is wanted more than anything is an official statement which I am personally sorry I cannot provide.

“If I could have come to a different conclusion I would have unhesitatingly done so.”

No-one from Mr Carmichael’s family was present as his daughter now lives in Canada.

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