Samuel Darke, believed to be one of the last surviving participants connected to the secret British nuclear testing program known as Operation Totem, has died aged 93. A lifelong resident of the Clarence Valley, Mr Darke served in the Royal Australian Air Force during the 1950s and was involved in transporting scientists during British atmospheric nuclear tests conducted at Emu Field in 1953. Decades later, he was formally recognised with the Nuclear Test Medal following its introduction by the British Government in 2022. Beyond his military service, Mr Darke was known throughout the community as a founding member of the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club and a passionate vintage car enthusiast. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family and was farewelled at a funeral service in Grafton on May 5.