YOUR NEWS, YOUR VIEWS WAITOMO ews ISSN 1170-1137 – (218) Thursday, August 6, 2015 Delivered FREE to households – extra copies 50c Reluctant hero dies peacefully

JOHN LESLIE (LES) MUNRO BORN April 5, 1919 Mr Munro flew 58 trips without a break when DIED August 4, 2015 it was decided his crew had done enough. He then commanded the 1690 Bomber Defence ONE of New Zealand’s most celebrated World Training Flight, flying Hurricanes for a year be- War ll heroes, Squadron Leader Les Munro fore setting sail for New Zealand, arriving home CNZM, DSO, QSO, DFC, JP died on Tuesday, at Labour Weekend in 1945. He was 26. aged 96. He was released from the RNZAF on Febru- Mr Munro had been in hospital for two weeks ary 5, 1946. due to heart problems and died peacefully sur- Mr Munro was twice decorated by King George rounded by his family at 6.15am. VI for his flying exploits, with the Distinguished He was the last pilot of the Royal Air Force’s Flying Cross in 1943 and the Distinguished Ser- 617 Squadron which flew the top secret mission vice Order in 1944. that became known as the ‘Dambuster’ raids on In an interview with the BBC to mark the May 16-17, 1943. ’s objective – 70th anniversary of the Dambusters mission, in to destroy the Ruhr Valley hydro dams and flood May 2013 Mr Munro said he had not been afraid. the industrial heart of Germany. “I approached most operations with a thought: Of the 19 bombers that left ‘If I’m going to cop it, so be it.” England only 11 returned, including the flak- TO P3 crippled W-Willie flown by 24-year-old John Leslie Munro.

DISTRICT CHAMPION: After his war service with the Royal Air Force’s 617 Squadron (left) and a post-war career as a valuer, Les Munro and his wife Betty took up a ballot farm at Mapiu in 1961. For the next 40 years he became one of the Waitomo district’s most ardent cham- pions especially in local government chairing the Waitomo County Council from1979-1989 and as mayor from1989-1995. PHOTO SUPPLIED

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LES Munro’s son Graeme says much higher and that is probably not only has the family lost a overlooked by a lot of people when much-loved father, grandfather they focus on his life. and great grandfather, but also their guiding light. FOND MEMORIES “He was a very humble and loyal “He really fondly remembers man who had incredible values his time in Te Kuiti and Waitomo which he instilled in all of us. and working with the people there “So in that respect his legacy of to establish the civic centre and how he handled himself and how Japanese Garden among many ON THE AGENDA: Les Munro (seated centre) with his 1991 councillors – Ian Wards (back left), Rollo Edkins, Leonie Mc- he communicated with others, will other projects. Caughan, Malcolm Lilley, Adrienne Tatham, John Kaati, Stan Glasgow, Steve Sanderson (seated left), chief executive Dave live on for generations to come.” “He certainly had a lot of town Muir, Bruce Willliams (deputy mayor) and Mike Wagstaff. PHOTO SUPPLIED Despite his father’s well-doc- pride.” umented World War II service, Reflecting on Mr Munro’s life, Graeme says he was more proud of Graeme says he’ll simply remem- his public service to the Waitomo ber his father as “a great dad”. community. “He’ll be sorely, sorely missed Reluctant hero “Yes, he did have some signifi- because that leadership we all cant achievements in the war and looked to him for will be gone. that’s where he received a lot of “It’s like the kauri tree has recognition, but he actually consid- fallen. ered his time in local government “We all thought he was invin- dies peacefully was where he gained more intense cible and now when we wake up personal satisfaction. it’s hard to believe that he’s gone. FROM P1 The eldest of three children, he was raised on “The war he did because it was “It’s a vacuum that we, as a fam- a sheep station during the Great Depression and expected of you, but he held his ily, will struggle to come to terms But for Waitomo residents it is his service to was educated at Gisborne High School. local government achievements with for a long time.” the community he lived in for 40 years that will He left school aged 14 to work on the family be remembered most. farm, then other East Coast sheep and beef farms Encouraged by friends and neighbours, he en- before World War II intervened. tered local politics in 1979. He enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force He served as Waitomo county’s chairman until on July 5, 1941 aged 21 to be a pilot, but was told 1989, and as mayor of the Waitomo district from his education wasn’t satisfactory and a gunner’s 1989-1995. position was recommended. A year later he enlisted again and was accepted SISTER CITY for pilot training, learning to fly Tiger Moths at the It was during this time, that Mr Munro formed RNZAF’s flying training school at Bell Block, New Te Kuiti’s sister city relationship with Tatsuno Plymouth then Levin. after striking up a friendship with a Japanese He chose to fly bombers and was posted to Saska- war veteran at a World War II veterans’ reunion toon in Canada for initial training before being sent in 1994. to England to fly Avro Manchesters and Lancaster During a chat between the two, it was discovered bombers with the RAF 97 Squadron at Woodall Spa Tatsuno was the home of the firefly and Waitomo in Lincolnshire. From there as a Squadron Leader the home of the glowworm. The sister-city connec- he joined the 617. tion was officially formed in 1995. In 1998, the Japanese Garden was built on Rora POST-WAR WORK St with help from Tatsuno representatives who Mr Munro became a registered farm valuer in 1950 working in Blenheim, Gisborne, Nelson and also donated stone sculptures to cement the bond. The Waitomo District Landfill and rural Waste Transfer finally from 1957-1961. Tatsuno has a Waitomo garden. Stations accept e-waste for collection and recycling. Waitomo mayor Brian Hanna and a delegation In 1959, as an associate of NZ Institute of Rural Valuers he was closely involved in the direct settle- visited Japan in June to celebrate the sister city E-waste (electronic waste) is electrical equipment ment of large numbers of returned servicemen who relationship’s 20th year. that has become obsolete, broken or unwanted; and entered ballots for land at a predetermined price. Throughout his years on council Mr Munro rep- includes computers, computer screens, fax machines, Having farmed before the war, Mr Munro and resented the district on numerous organisations whiteware, TVs and electrical cables, basically his wife Betty, whom he’d married in 1948 after a and was a committee member of several locally. anything with a plug. In a Waitomo News special feature to mark the two-year engagement, won a 1961 ballot farm at Mapiu 32kms south of Te Kuiti. 100th anniversary of the Te Kuiti borough, pub- E-waste is one of the fastest growing categories There they raised five children – the late John, lished on April 27, 2010 – and without claiming of hazardous waste in the world. Toxic chemicals Graeme, Greg, Gail and Anne. credit for either – he singled out the building of the in electronic products can leach into the land and In 1975, the family moved to a 40ha property Waitomo Cultural and Arts Centre and Hillview contaminate water streams over time or are released at Somerville Rd where they farmed until 1992. Home and Hospital as the major achievements of into the atmosphere. his time in office. Mr Munro then leasing the grazing rights to a Of Hillview he said: “The community spirit neighbour former Prime Minister Jim Bolger. It is very important that e-waste is diverted from that was shown as funds were raised to build and He worked as a rural real estate salesman from Landfill. develop Hillview was brilliant. There was real com- 1977-82 before his commitment to local govern- ment demands and community involvement took munity support for the rest home and that support A fee does apply to e-waste. You can find out more by over. seems to still be there to this day.” contacting WDC on (07) 878 0800 or visit our website On the civic centre: “I believe the erection of the He was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday waitomo.govt.nz/feesandcharges civic centre made a huge difference to the com- Honours in 1991 and awarded a Queen’s Service munity. It provides a focus – a central gathering Order. He also received a Companion of the New point.” Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) When he retired as mayor in 1995, the couple EARLY LIFE remained at their Somerville Road property until The son of a Glasgow-born father who emigrated Mrs Munro died in 1998. to New Zealand, Mr Munro was born on April 5, 1919, in Gisborne. TO P4 4 WAITOMO NEWS Thursday, August 6, 2015 Reluctant hero dies peacefully FROM P3 had taken so long to build and feeling In 2001, Mr Munro sold the prop- a heavy responsibility to contribute erty and moved to Tauranga where to its maintenance, he offered his he had family and where many close medals and log books for auction friends had retired. earlier this year, with the proceeds going to the RAF Benevolent Fund FRENCH HONOUR for its upkeep. On April 14, he was honoured In March he said: “My war service by the French Government for his moulded me as a man; it gave me “bravery and commitment to ending the confidence in my own ability and World War II”. taught me to get on with my fellow French President Francois Hol- men and value comradeship. lande officially appointed him a “It is because of that sense of com- Knight of the National Order of the radeship and the equal importance Legion of Honour for “bravery and of the act of remembrance that I now infallible commitment to ending the part company with my medals for war.” the benefit of the Bomber Command France’s highest decoration - the Memorial.” Legion of Honour - was presented to Just when it seemed likely the him by French ambassador Florence medals would go to an overseas pri- Jeanblanc-Risler at a ceremony in vate collector and leave New Zea- the National Museum of the Royal land’s shores forever, philanthropist New Zealand Navy. (Waitomo News, and owner of the world’s largest April 16) collection of Victoria Crosses, Lord Ashcroft purchased and gifted them BOMBER COMMAND MEMORIAL back to Mr Munro so he could present In May 2013, Mr Munro, who was them to the Museum of Transport ULTIMATE SACRIFICE: Squadron Leader Les Munro sold his medals in April to fund the upkeep of the World War ll Bomber Command Memorial in London, built as a tribute to the sacrifice of 55,773 airmen, including 1679 Kiwis. His medals are now patron of New Zealand Bomber Com- and Technology in Auckland. displayed at MOTAT in Auckland. PHOTO DNW mand, visited London’s Green Park, At the ceremony on April 15, at- and the Bomber Command Memorial tended by Lord Ashcroft and Prime available for future gen- DEEDS LIVE ON term plan is for MOTAT to create a to the 55,773 Bomber Command air- Minister John Key, Mr Munro said erations in the shadow On Tuesday, following Mr Munro’s travelling exhibition that will tell the men who died, including 1671 Kiwis. he was pleased his medals will be in of the museum’s Lan- death Lord Ashcroft said: “I only had stories of Mr Munro and other Kiwi Aggrieved that such a memorial the museum’s public collection and caster bomber. the privilege of knowing Les very late members of Bomber Command. in his long and extraordinary life, but Tributes to Mr Munro were swift my deepest condolences go out to his including from many locals touched family, his friends, the New Zealand by his service to the people of Wait- Influenza season has Bomber Command Association and omo. to his entire home nation where he When he retired as mayor Mr Mun- was, rightly, much revered. ro said: “I contributed the best I could started in Waikato! “Les was a true hero in every sense in my time on council. of the word and his legacy and deeds ‘When I retired the council had and indeed those of Bomber Com- reserves of at least $4.5 million . . . I The best way to protect yourself and your mand will live on.” felt I left the district in good shape.” MOTAT chief executive Michael loved ones is to get vaccinated. Frawley who met Mr Munro sev- He is survived by his partner Chris- eral times says he is “incredibly sad” tine Ross, four of his five children • It’s not too late to get vaccinated. about his death. – Graeme, Greg, Gail and Anne – 11 “But, from the museum’s perspec- grandchildren and four great grand- • Vaccination is the best protection from tive, we’re honoured to be able to children. influenza, and the best defence in tell his story so his legacy lives on, A service to celebrate Mr Munro’s because he’s one of New Zealand’s – life will be held at Classic Flyers, preventing the spread of the illness. and indeed England’s – great heroes. Jean Batten Drive, Mt Maunganui • If you feel unwell you can help reduce “He gave you the impression that on Saturday at 1.30pm, followed by he was going to live forever. What a private cremation. the spread of the virus by: guy, what a hero.” The service is open to the public. A NZ Bomber Command Fund is In lieu of flowers, donations can be - Staying at home if you are unwell. being set up through the Perpetual made in his memory to Arthritis NZ - Covering your cough or sneeze and use disposable tissues. Guardian Foundation and the long- or Waikato BoP Cancer Society. TRIBUTES FLOW P5 - Regularly washing your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water, and then drying your hands with a clean dry towel or paper towel.

Vaccination is free for everyone over 65 and for those most at risk until 31 July, so call your general practice now. Many pharmacies also offer flu vaccinations for people who are willing to pay.

For more information about influenza, and how it can affect you, visit www.fightflu.co.nz Get protected and get immunised. MERCI LES: French ambassador to New Zealand Florence Jeanblanc-Risley awarded Les Munro the Legion of Honour, France’s highest decoration in April, for helping liberate France from German occupation during World War ll. PHOTO NZDF WAITOMO NEWS Thursday, August 6, 2015 5 Giving of Tributes flow for Les his time IN the wake of the news that Waitomo who had come home from the war and did Regarding his contribution to the Wait- IN a Waitomo News special feature to mark the war legend Les Munro died at 6.15am on an awful lot of good the area. omo district, Mr Muir says Mr Munro’s 100th anniversary of the Te Kuiti borough, published Tuesday, tributes have flowed from all “I’ll miss him dearly.” legacy is immeasurable. on April 27, 2010, Mr Munro said of his community corners of the community to honour the Former neighbour John Finlayson, who “The guy was totally committed to the service: “It wasn’t a case of finding the time . . . but man who represented his district and farmed next to the Munro family in Mapiu ratepayers,” he says. rather of giving it.” country with pride. for many years, was “shocked” and “sad- “He worked his butt off everywhere he His record of “giving time” to the Waitomo district is In a life well-lived, Mr Munro died in dened” when he heard the news. could to get the best deal possible. lengthy and includes the following: Tauranga Hospital, aged 96 after a short “He was a great character ol’ Les. “He’s the finest guy I’ve ever met or • Waitomo County Council 1965-1979 illness due to heart problems. “He’ll be a huge loss for the district not worked with and I’ll miss him certainly.” • Waitomo District Council chairman 1979-1989 He leaves behind a legacy of achieve- only because of his war record, but also be- Waitomo mayor Brian Hanna says he • Waitomo District Council mayor 1989-1995 ments among those as one of the 19 cause of all the work he did helping others. was “devastated” when he heard of Mr • District Roads Council commanding officers of the Royal Air “And he sought no reward for it other Munro’s death. • Waikato United Council Force’s 617 Squadron that led the famous than the odd thank you here and there. “Les is without a doubt one of Waito- • NZ Counties Association ‘Dambuster’ raids, as a Waitomo District “He had an amazing ability to get mo’s true legends. He had been a mayor of • National Hydatids Council Council chairman and mayor, farmer, things done and everything he undertook Waitomo for many years and really played • Waikato Catchment Board husband, father, grandfather and great- he did very well. an integral part in defining the direction • Mapiu School Committee chairman 1961-1969 grandfather. “I’ll remember him as a very good friend of our district. • Mapiu Golf Club president/foundation member and neighbour and one of the most suc- “His war history makes him one of New 1961-1974 HUMBLE HERO cessful guys you’ll ever meet.” Zealand’s real icons and I’m just numbed • King Country Land Settlement Committee 1967- Mr Munro’s deputy mayor for 12 years by the news. 1987 Bruce Williams of Te Kuiti, says he will IMMENSE RESPECT “To his family, our thoughts are with • Mahoenui Inc Land Committee 1968-1978 remember his long-time friend as “a Former Waitomo local authority chief you. • King Country Regional Development Council humble hero”. executive Dave Muir knew Mr Munro for “This is a huge loss not only for Waito- 1982-1992 “I’ve introduced Les to a lot of people 43 years. mo but for the entire country.” • Patron, Police Recruit Wing 125, June-Novem- throughout the years and they have “After my dad died, Les became a sur- Mr Hanna says Waitomo District Coun- ber 1991 always been amazed at how humble the rogate father to me and I’ve been very cil will hold a memorial to honour and • Made a Justice of Peace in 1970 man is. close to him ever since. remember Mr Munro’s legacy. • Te Kuiti Rotary Club, Paul Harris award 1988 “Although he had been a national celeb- “I respect the guy immensely – he was Mr Munro’s death has left just two • Te Kuiti RSA 1961 -2001 rity for a long time it was his humbleness just a wonderful person. surviving members of the 617 Squadron’s • Queen’s Service Order (QSO) that attracted me to him as a friend. “Personally he was a very humble guy ‘Dambuster’ raids – British bomb aimer • Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit “He was exceptionally good for Waito- and despite his status he treated every- George Johnson and Fred Sutherland, a (CNZM) mo because he was just a humble farmer body with equal respect.” Canadian front gunner.

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