Dropping Britain’s First H-Bomb: Story of Operation Grapple 1957

by Group Captain Kenneth Hubbard DFC AFC

On 15 May 1957 Vickers Valiant V-Bomber X.D.818 under the command of Wg. Cdr. Kenneth Hubbard, O.C. 49 Squadron R.A.F., dropped Britains first live thermonuclear bomb. The success of Operation Grapple broadcast to the world that the UK had the resolve and the capability to protect her own democracy and that of her Commonwealth. It was a major breakthrough that ensured Britain maintained her place in the most senior influential positions of the United Nations and other corridors of world power, and in the ensuing years provide Britains deterrent throughout the decades of the Cold War.The theme of this book is to explain how the R.A.F. selected and trained the crews who would be responsible for the precision dropping of the several weapons that would detonate during Grapple. It also provides a complete background to the parts played by all other services during this unique period in British history.

Genres: Military Fiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2008

Reviews

[Peter Corley]

Of it's time, but a good read.

A fascinating read and a very detailed account of the testing of the UK's first nuclear weapons during the 1950's. The author, as OC 49 Squadron, RAF clearly played a key role in the testing and subsequent development of the weapon system and the method of delivery. The Vickers Valiant takes centre stage as the first of the V Bombers, and is a personal favourite of mine. The account has a rather dated feel to it now, but is nonetheless a fascinating read.

[Johnny Allred]

Very enjoyable book on the first British jet bomber and atomic bomb drop testing in the pacific. By the author