THE CONSEQUENCE OF MY SERVICE .
The 1973 New Zealand navy frigate deployment (codenamed Operation Pilaster) was a historic, government-led "David and Goliath" protest against French atmospheric nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll.Ordered by the newly elected Labour Prime Minister Norman Kirk, the mission aimed to deploy military vessels to act as a "silent, accusing witness" to bring the conscience of the world to the Pacific.
On 21 July 1973, the crew of HMNZS Otago witnessed the first atmospheric detonation—a low-kiloton nuclear trigger exploded at an altitude of just over 1,000 feet. On 28 July 1973, HMNZS Canterbury arrived at the rendezvous point and witnessed a second atmospheric test. HMAS Supply: Because New Zealand's frigates did not have the range to make the journey alone, Australia supported the mission by sending this fleet replenishment tanker to refuel the Kiwi ships en route.
The total number of personnel deployed across the entire naval protest was approximately 500 sailors.
The most detailed insight into the long-term health of these veterans came from a first-of-its-kind study by the University of Otago, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal. The study focused on members and families of the crews of HMNZS Otago and HMNZS Canterbury.Â
Key findings were:
- High Cancer Prevalence: 37% of the veterans surveyed had suffered from some form of cancer. Prevalent conditions included prostate cancer, leukaemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and various skin cancers.
- Intergenerational Issues: 40% of the veterans' children reported difficulties with fertility, citing issues such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and miscarriages.
- Joint Conditions and Mental Health: Joint conditions affected 31% of the veterans, while both veterans and their offspring reported unusually high levels of anxiety and depression.
Some 53 years later, as the result of a CT Scan, June 2025, it was found that I had Metastatic Adenocarcinoma. This is recognised as a Presumed Illness as the result of my service. I have, and am being treated with Stereo tactic Radiotherapy, to treat four brain lesions and and I am still currently on a regime of immunotherapy, Prembolizumab, to address the 4.2cm lung mass. ( some 15mths of treatment to date)
At the time of writing this I am in a position of no apparent activity as far as the cancer is concerned.........it is not a cure or being in remission.........but there is hope. My immunotherapy has about another 9mths to go and my next CT and MRI Scans are at the end of November.Â
FINGERS CROSSED.......LIFE IS GOOD !!!!!!
My Achievements
Signed up!
Received first donation
Received 10 donations
50% Goal Achieved
Reached Goal
Increased Target
