Operation Grapple
Operation Grapple: A New Zealand Perspective
Operation Grapple, was a series of British nuclear tests conducted in the Pacific.
Between May of 1957 and September of 1958, the New Zealand Navy supported nine British Nuclear Weapons Tests. A total of 551 men from Aotearoa New Zealand were exposed to the tests as witnesses at Malden and Kirtimati (Christmas) Islands. This support was given to reinforce Aotearoa’s security status.
In March of 1957, HMNZS Pukaki and Rotoiti left Auckland; the main tasks of these frigates was to conduct meterological analysis which was essential for the success of the tests, and they also monitored for spy submarines. During the test series, the frigates exchanged positions moving to be closer and further from the points of detonation.
Since Operation Grapple ended in September of 1958, Britain has not tested nuclear weapons in the open again.
Our Research
The impacts of Operation Grapple extend far beyond the confines of Kiritimati and Malden Islands. For many veterans, the long-term health effects of radiation exposure have manifested in various forms, including cancer, illnesses, and intergenerational health concerns. The psychological toll of their experiences is also evident through expressions of post traumatic stress disorder, feelings of being used as ‘guinea pigs,’ and a lack of recognition. These factors amongst many others complicate their post-Grapple journey.
By documenting and sharing their oral histories, we not only honour the contributions of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s, nuclear test veterans but also acknowledge the challenges they continue to face. These narratives serve as a catalyst for broader conversations about the ethical implications of nuclear testing, the responsibility of governments towards their servicemen, and the need for recognition and support for those affected by the legacy of atomic warfare.
Through collecting oral histories, Speak Up 4 Peace provides an opportunity for healing and reconciliation. For many veterans, sharing their stories is a cathartic process, allowing them to confront and make sense of their past experiences. It also offers future generations an understanding of the human cost of war and the importance of striving for peace and nuclear disarmament.
As we endeavor to preserve the oral histories of Aotearoa, New Zealand’s nuclear test veterans, we must recognise the urgency of this endeavor; with each passing year, the voices of these men grow fainter, underscoring the need to capture their stories before they are lost to time. Through dedicated efforts to collect, archive, and disseminate these oral histories, we pay tribute to the resilience and sacrifice of those who served their country in the shadow of the atomic age.