Far North man Russell Hockley (centre) finally received his Nuclear Medal recently at Kaitāia RSA, 67 years after witnessing nuclear bomb tests in the Pacific. Also at the presentation were family members (from left) Karen Subritzky, Jacqueline Hiku, Russell Hockley Jr and Cynthia Shailes.
It’s taken 67 years, but after witnessing nuclear explosions Far North man Russell Hockley’s family has finally received the King Charles III Nuclear Medal.
Hockley’s family is delighted that Kaitāia RSA and President Toss Kitchen allowed them to present this medal in front of friends, family and shipmates. Hockley is a Life Member and outgoing Patron of the Kaitāia RSA.
Daughter Cynthia Shailes said Russell E. Hockley, Russell Hockley’s son, had the honour of a few words and pinning the medal on his father.
“We have gathered here to present our father Russell Graham Hockley, signalman NZ15390 on HMNZS Rotoiti, finally after 67 years the King Charles III Nuclear Medal. I would like to acknowledge the work that Roy Sefton and many other sailors who fought a long battle not only with the bureaucracy but their own individual and family health issues to get recognition for his fellow ship mates and families,” he said.
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In 1957, the New Zealand Prime Minister at the time, Sidney Holland, pledged support to Britain and the New Zealand Government approved Royal New Zealand Navy participation in what would be called Operation Grapple 1957-1958.
More than 358 New Zealand sailors served on HMNZS Pukaki and HMNZS Rotoiti and witnessed four nuclear explosions.
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