EXCLUSIVE: Last surviving Dambuster hero sparks fury in New Zealand as he sells medals

IT started as a solemn gesture by New Zealand’s last surviving Dambuster, aimed at helping to preserve London’s Bomber Command memorial.

Les Munro during war BNPS

Les Munro leaning out of the cockpit of Lancaster W for William

But war hero Les Munro’s offer to sell his precious military medals and log books in London has stirred up a national outcry in his home country.

Now the auction is set to become a bidding frenzy, with private collectors battling to outdo a consortium of Kiwis who want the medals to stay at home, rather than end up in private hands.

Squadron Leader Munro, who will be 96 next month, played a key role with the famous 617 squadron, later taking part in a series of important precision raids on the eve of D-Day.

His bravery won him a cluster of awards, including the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb expect the medals to fetch at least £50,000 – precisely the sum needed to maintain the memorial for a year.

Les Munro with medals IMAGEWISE

Les with his gallantry medals

But many believe they should remain in the antipodes as testament to the 1,600 air crew killed fighting Hitler on the other side of the world.

New Zealand’s government claims the March 25 sale could be blocked under the Protection of Objects Act, aimed at ensuring historically important artefacts remain in the country.

And on Friday, the opposition Labour party challenged them to buy the medals.

An anonymous “consortium of philanthropists” was also quick to pitch in, intending to offer Mr Munro the £50,000 estimate.

Sir Peter Jackson, currently planning to remake a movie about the famous raids, is thought to be one of the contributors who will donate funds for a new Bomber Command museum in New Zealand.

It would be extraordinary if he was prevented from selling his own personal awards to raise money to help the upkeep of a memorial

Will Bennett, of Dix Noonan Webb

But it seems Mr Munro may stick to his guns.

Last night it emerged that he has already turned down an offer by people in Waikto, where he lives, to raise the money.

Sean Plunket, host of RadioLive’s morning Talkback show, told the Sunday Express last night that phone lines had been flooded by calls about the Mr Munro’s medals.

He said: “There’s been a huge debate.

"Les is a hero here and people see it from both sides.”

Will Bennett, a spokesman for the auctioneers, insisted the New Zealand government could not stop the sale.

He added: “It would be extraordinary if he was prevented from selling his own personal awards to raise money to help the upkeep of a memorial which, among others, commemorates 1,679 New Zealanders who died while serving with Bomber Command.

“As for what they may fetch at auction, it will be up to the market to decide."

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