Operation Grapple got underway in Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in 1957. New Zealand sent two naval frigates. This was symbolic of the close relationship between Britain and New Zealand and their two navies. New Zealand hoped that Britain’s development of nuclear weapons would reinforce New Zealand’s security status.
HMNZS Pukaki and Rotoiti left Auckland in March 1957. Their main purpose was to monitor the weather. Good weather conditions were essential to successful nuclear tests. However, they had a covert job, too. They were to monitor the test area for spy submarines. The two ships swapped positions throughout the series of tests, taking turns at being closer to the points of detonation.
Although New Zealand supported the entire programme, there was growing concern at home and abroad, particularly in Pacific nations, about the effects of nuclear tests. The final of nine Operation Grapple tests took place on 23 September 1958.
Explore the resources on this website to learn more about what happened during this time period. Please note some of the content contains sensitive themes.
Backs to the blast photograph
Backs to the blast photograph The crew of HMNZS Pukaki sit on deck wearing protective overalls, hoods and goggles in readiness for a nuclear bomb blast. On the back of the photograph, it reads: Just before the blast. HMNZS Pukaki, just before the blast, [New Zealand Defence Force], 1957. AAO 0027. Crown Copyright, CC BY-NC…
Scrubbing decks photograph
Scrubbing decks photograph Crew members on board HMNZS Pukaki scrub down the ship’s deck in an attempt to remove radioactive material after a nuclear bomb blast. HMNZS Pukaki, scrubbing after the blast, [New Zealand Defence Force], 1957. AAO 0028. Crown Copyright, CC BY-NC 4.0.
Danger Area leaflet
Danger Area leaflet This multi-lingual warning leaflet was dropped by air to warn of a prohibited zone around Malvern Island during Operation Grapple, 1957. Leaflet, Task Force Grapple [Royal Air Force], [1958]. FNA 0004. Crown Copyright licensed under the UK Open Government Licence v.3.0.
Operation Grapple pennant
<h3>Operation Grapple pennant</h3> This HMNZS Rotoiti Operation Grapple pennant belonged to Trevor Humphrey, who was involved in the Grapple operation. <small>Pennant, [1957]. 2008.10.1. Copyright undetermined.</small>
Ship’s newspaper – Bomb Gone!
Ship’s newspaper – Bomb Gone! This newsletter was created onboard ship as a special souvenir edition about the nuclear tests on Malvern Island in the Christmas Island group in 1957. Mid Pacific News, Task Force Grapple, 1957. EVD 0035. Crown Copyright licensed under the UK Open Government Licence v.3.0.
HMNZS Pukaki and Rotoiti newspaper article
Christmas Island Christmas card – This is where it is
<h3>This 1957 Christmas card features a map of the Pacific Ocean with Christmas Island highlighted. It’s inscribed with the words: This is where it is. Inside, a photograph of the island is accompanied by the text: And this is what it looks like. From the captain and officers HMNZS Rotoiti.”</h3> <small>Card, Raphael Tuck & Sons,…
H-Bomb Test Crossing the Line certificate
H-Bomb Test Crossing the Line certificate This certificate was issued to Dennis Horne, who served onboard HMNZS Rotoiti during Operation Grapple in 1957. Certificate, 1957. 2007.7.11. Copyright undetermined.
Daily Orders D Day
Daily Orders 19 August 1958
Kaipara Nuclear Power Plant
Operation Grapple Medal
New Zealand Special Service Medal – Nuclear Testing
Pacific Island Test sites and Christmas (Kiritimati) Island maps
Duck and Cover video
US President Kennedy audio recording – start listening at 3m51s
Archival audio in ‘Bomb Gone’ from the RNZ Collection at Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision.
