Date

Jul 17, 1945

Description

The Trinity test planners prepared for the evacuation of any endangered civilians by positioning a small force of 140 enlistees, four officers, and 140 vehicles, equipped with tents, drinking water, rations, coffee, sugar, and milk, among other supplies. The shelter and supplies were estimated to be enough for 450 people for two days. The detachment’s headquarters were set up near Bingham, “the center of the area in the most immediate danger.” Two press releases had been prepared: one concerning the explosion of an ammunition dump, the other explaining the presence of “gas shells” at the ammunition dump that necessitated evacuation for 24 hours to protect people “from the gas and degree of contamination.”

Radiation monitors worked from the base near Bingham and reported to Joseph Hoffman and Joseph Hirschfelder. On 16 July at about 1 p.m., when any possibility of “serious contamination” had passed, Hoffman released the special detachment from further duty.

Source

Federation of American Scientists

Document published in following posting(s):

The First Atomic Explosion, 16 July 1945

Jul 16, 2024