Warbird Information Exchange

Last night we lost one of our truly great heroes here in New Zealand, Squadron Leader John Leslie (Les) Munro.

Les was a member of the RNZAF, who had had flown Lancasters with No. 97 Squadron RAF, before volunteering for the special No. 617 Squadron that carried out the incredible Dambusters raid. Les was the last of the pilots from that raid. He went on to serve as the squadron's Flight Commander and over time he led many dangerous special ops with this elite squadron. One of WWII's truly great bomber pilots, Les was always very modest about what he did.

He was the Patron of our New Zealand Bomber Command Association, and a well respected member of of our veteran community, he was one of those guys who seemed like he'd go on and on forever. We're really going to miss him.

If you'd like to know more about Les's wartime career, I had the pleasure to interview him a few years ago. You can listen to the interview here in two parts (it's free).

I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to meet him, and record his memories.

http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WON ... #LesMunro1

http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WON ... es_Munro_2

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I also had the honour to meet and talk with Les many years ago. A gentleman in every respect.

Barry G

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Little Johnny : "When I grow up I want to be a pilot!"

Johnny's Mother : "Don't be silly Dear - you can't do both!"

RIP

You say he was the last pilot was he also the last crewman to be in the raid?


Thanks

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God speed sir.

Thank you for letting us know Dave.

How very timely, that Les was able to see the future of his medals secured for all, rather than sold to a private collector.

Andy

There are two other aircrew members from the famous raid still living; George 'Johnnie' Johnson in England, and Fred Sutherland in Canada.

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The Wings Over New Zealand Forum http://rnzaf.proboards.com

The Wings Over New Zealand Show http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZ_Show.html

Wings Over Cambridge http://www.cambridgeairforce.org.nz

Blue Skies Sir...

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