Kensington Veterans Memorial Military Museum
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VM.2008.001.001
(click image to enlarge)
Object Name
Plate, Commemorative
Catagory
Communications Artifact
Sub-Category
Documentary Artefact
Date
Early: 1955 Late: 1955
Materials
Plexiglass, spruce wood, metal, plywood
Object History
A board from a nuclear test site that belonged to Lea Stewart. Board like this were placed 2000 yards from nuclear detonation center to demonstrate what would happen to people under the same conditions. Shot Apple II was the name of the particular nuclear bomb detonation which this board was tested in. Mr. Stewart took part in Operation Teapot, exercise Desert Rock VI and was a member of the No 1 Radiation Detection Unit. 60 Service Men. Their exercise was known as Sapling and was part of Teapot.
The Apple II detonation is now declassified. Many veterans who took part in the testing reported that the light from the blast was so bright that they could see the bones in their hands. The "P1RT4" that is burned into the board can be broken down like this: "P1" = Petty Officer 1st class "RT" = Radio Technician "4" = Naval Trade Group 4.
Description
Rectangle; plexiglass is 1cm thick, covers entire body of wood; plexiglass, 1 cm thick, is screwed into plywood frame. Wooden frame surrounds the actual wooden artifact. Metal screw at each end and two on top. Base reverse has four square, brown, rubber feet 1 cm high 2cm x 2cm; screws have lotted nut fasteners; plank has burn marks.
Transcription Recto: “PIRT 4 STEWART LC” Verso: “SHOT APPLE TWO YUCCA FLATS NEVADA 0510 5/5/5 DISTANCE FROM GROUND ZERO 2000 YDS EXERCISE SAPLING”