HMS Cumberland.

 British Guinea-Pig Ship's Atomic Test_x000D_ The British Royal Navy's "hush-hush" trials cruiser HMS Cumberland is seen during anti-atomic tests in the Mediterranean. A small quantity of radioactive liquid representing atomic bomb fall-out was sprayed on to the ship's structure to test the efficiency of the wash down system. This system involves the continual washing of all weather surfaces of the ship during and after exposure. Experiments have shown that fission matter is less likely to adhere to a surface while it is subjected to salt water wash down. While the system is operating the ship's company remains under cover and continues to control weapons and con the ship from between decks._x000D_ The trials were watched by two US Navy representatives and an Admiralty spokesman said the radiation hazard for the ship's company was "less than that from a luminous watch". September 1955.