A respected figure from the Cold War era who undertook classified atomic missions has been laid to rest with full military honors, as a large crowd of well-wishers paid their respects.
In Lakenheath, Suffolk, veterans and local residents lined the streets to bid farewell to Squadron Leader Pete Peters on his final journey, as initial concerns arose that no one would attend his funeral.
Initially worried that he would be the sole attendee, Pete’s son Gareth was relieved when the Ministry of Defence and veteran organizations were alerted by the Mirror, ensuring a fitting send-off for his father.
Arrangements for the funeral included contributions from the RAF Association, with a bugler, standard bearer, and coffin drape provided, and former RAF chaplain Eddie Wynn delivering a reading. Following social media appeals, a significant turnout of veterans and the public gathered to witness the procession and packed the crematorium to listen to tributes.
Known as the last surviving member of Operation Bagpipes, Pete, aged 94, undertook three missions through US nuclear clouds in 1954 to gather crucial data for allied weapons scientists. His pioneering crew successfully navigated high-altitude electric Canberra jets through turbulent conditions to collect data using specialized filters installed in the aircraft.
Pete’s son highlighted his father’s extensive experience in conducting high-risk activities worldwide to collect atomic debris, aiding atomic scientists in understanding Soviet activities.
After a prolonged campaign by nuclear veterans for recognition, Pete was initially denied a medal due to not being exposed to British radiation. However, following intervention by Labour’s Defence Secretary John Healey prompted by the Mirror’s coverage, Pete, also known as Patrick, received his medal just in time for Remembrance Sunday.
This recognition extended to his former crew members from 1323 Flight and 540 Squadron, many of whom were lost at sea due to the mission’s secrecy. Subsequently, the medal was later extended to numerous others involved in the sampling of French and Chinese nuclear clouds.
Gareth expressed how the campaign brightened his father’s final years, enabling him to visit a museum showcasing the cockpit of his Canberra bomber and share his experiences with academics and students.
During the personal delivery of the medal by Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, Pete humorously remarked, “it’s about bloody time,” reflecting his long-awaited acknowledgment.
Pete believed that all his crewmates succumbed to cancer, attributing his survival from a colon tumor to the skill of an NHS surgeon. Despite undergoing blood tests before and after his flights, Pete was never informed of the results.
Inspired by the sight of returning prisoners of war as a child, Pete pursued a career at Bomber Command, conducting missions deep inside enemy territory to gather intelligence on nuclear weapons. He also flew nuke-armed Victor bombers on patrols along the Iron Curtain, contributing to European security.
Throughout his 40-year RAF tenure, Pete served in Germany with NATO and in psychological warfare at the MoD in Whitehall. He shared a deep love with his wife Rosemary for 66 years until her passing in 2022, and they raised two children.
Before the Last Post and Reveille sounded at the crematorium, Gareth recited his father’s words from his memoirs, reflecting on the challenges, trials, and adventures that defined Pete’s remarkable journey.
