Les Munro, the last surviving pilot from the legendary Dambusters raids against Nazi Germany, has died at the age of 96.
John Leslie Munro, known as Les, was one of 19 heroic pilots from the famous 617 Squadron who took part in the daring 'bouncing bomb' attacks on German dams in 1943.
The raids, which saw drum-shaped bombs bounced off the water before exploding against the dam walls, have gone down in history as some of the finest wartime aerial assaults and have also been credited with changing the course of the Second World War.
He died this morning in hospital in his native New Zealand, following what his friends described as a 'lifetime all about service'. The pilot's death, which came following heart problems, leaves just two surviving crew members of the Dambusters missions.
Friends today described how Squadron Leader Munro had a 'special aura' about him and was regarded among his peers as being 'invincible'.
He also felt an 'overwhelming sense of responsibility' to preserve the memory of the RAF Bomber Command and became an international touchstone, representing the gallantry of those who fought and died during the Second World War.
But, in a nod to his characteristic humility, they revealed how Sqn Ldr Munro was always 'a little embarrassed' about the attention he received as a Dambuster.
During the squadron's first - and arguably most pivotal - raid, Sqn Ldr Munro's aircraft was hit by flak and had to be flown back to the UK with a gaping hole in its side, to save the lives of his crew.
According to reports, the brave pilot feared that he had 'not achieved' what he set out to do. But he was later praised for his courage, receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross for his leadership and being remembered through generations for his incredible bravery.
Public - Lorraine M - Researcher - 10 October 2015 - The Telegraph - 9 October 2015