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Les Munro - Per Ardua Ad Astra

Ron Mark MP
Spokesperson for Defence

Les Munro - Per Ardua Ad Astra

New Zealand First is saddened by the news that the last surviving Dambuster pilot, Les Munro, has passed away.

“Les Munro was a legend from a squadron chock full of legends,” says Ron Mark, New Zealand First Defence Spokesperson.

“It is typical of the honour this man possessed, that late in his life, he offered up for auction his medals, log books and associated memorabilia to help fund London’s Bomber Command Memorial.

“This memorial commemorates the 125,000 aircrew from all Commonwealth nations who served in WW2, including the 55,573 who paid the ultimate sacrifice; 1,679 of them New Zealanders. He put his mates before medals and that defines heroism.

“These medals were saved for New Zealand, not by the government, but by the generosity of the British Peer, Lord Ashcroft. Thanks to Lord Ashcroft and Les Munro they are now in the care of Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).

“This is fitting given MOTAT’s Lancaster recognises the 6,000 Kiwi Bomber Command veterans who served in World War Two.

“In his life Les Munro was a pilot, a farmer and a Mayor. He typified a generation of men and women who put service before self. Per Ardua ad Astra Les Munro,” Mr Mark said.

ENDS

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