So sad to announce that kiwi No. 617 Squadron Dambusters pilot Les Munro passed away last night following a short spell in hospital with heart problems. 🙁
He was famous for being one of the chosen pilots for the Dams raid and not actually making it to the dam, but he went on to become a long term Flight Commander with the squadron and led many of their special operations. Les was the Patron of our New Zealand Bomber Command Association, and a truly great man. We will really miss him. 🙁
By: SimonSpitfire - 9th August 2015 at 10:19
Here is the entry in Les Munro’s logbook for that day[ATTACH=CONFIG]239767[/ATTACH]
By: ErrolC - 8th August 2015 at 21:25
Missing Man at his funeral at Classic Flyers, Tauranga.
https://twitter.com/MOTAT_NZ/status/629954516134170625/photo/1
http://www.sunlive.co.nz/news/106840-final-goodbyes-to-war-hero.html
By: charliehunt - 5th August 2015 at 07:36
Reading his obituary this morning I was reminded (but should not have needed to have been) just what a great squadron 617 became under Cheshire with Les, Joe McCarthy and Dave Shannon as his flight commanders. “(Munroe’s) …rock-steady dependability was an inspiration to his young crews”. A great epitaph.
By: critter592 - 5th August 2015 at 01:04
Blue skies, Sir.
RIP, and thank you.
By: Canopener Al - 5th August 2015 at 00:53
Rest in peace Les, a very brave man like all the others who served in Bomber Command during 39 to 45.
By: David_Kavangh - 4th August 2015 at 22:53
From tomorrow’s DT.
By: Runway06 - 4th August 2015 at 22:37
Another link with the past gone, all the best mate..condolences to the family
By: Hatton - 4th August 2015 at 21:01
[ATTACH=CONFIG]239667[/ATTACH]
A portrait of Les taken during our visit to his home in Tauranga, NZ during the making of Into the Wind in 2009. A very nice man and incredibly generous with his time.
By: 1batfastard - 4th August 2015 at 17:45
Hi All,
You have earned your rest, your name will live on with those other courageous Dambuster airmen for eternity RIP Mr Munro…..:(
Geoff.
By: pimpernel - 4th August 2015 at 17:01
R.I.P. Sqn Ldr L Munro. Thank you.
By: paul1867 - 4th August 2015 at 15:58
Where would we have been without the likes of this great man who travelled round the world in our time of need.
A true hero, blue skies now you are with all your comrades.
An era has past.
Thank you for what you did.
Paul and Lin
By: DavidIsby - 4th August 2015 at 13:52
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33769486
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503343&objectid=11491819
By: Trolly Aux - 4th August 2015 at 13:19
The last of a very few who survived the Dams raid and then to survive to a ripe old age. I never spoke with hi but did see him I think either Duxford or Biggin at an airshow signing autographs.
To you Sir I say thank you for the insight into your life and the very special person you were.
By: Sgt.Austin - 4th August 2015 at 13:09
Very sad news, another hero gone. R.I.P.
By: MN138 - 4th August 2015 at 13:02
R.I.P blue skies sir
By: SqL Scramble. - 4th August 2015 at 12:16
Blue skies Sir . . . . . back with the Squadron again.
By: adrian_gray - 4th August 2015 at 12:07
A really lovely photo, PanzerJohn, much better than my effort.
Adrian
By: PanzerJohn - 4th August 2015 at 12:05
Sad news, a real hero…[ATTACH=CONFIG]239649[/ATTACH]
By: adrian_gray - 4th August 2015 at 09:40
BBC link. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-33769486
I think Mr Homewood might be of this parish…
Adrian
By: AirportsEd - 4th August 2015 at 09:18
Very sad news. I had the privilege to meet him on several occasions over the last 15 years and he was always very generous with his time.
RIP Les
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August 4, 2015 at 2:21 am