zolteg
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 82
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Post by zolteg on Mar 29, 2015 15:58:37 GMT 12
I also noted that NZ Medals (a company which mounts and repairs medal sets) intends gifting Les a set of duplicates of his medals so that no matter what happened to the originals, he still retained a set to wear. Not quite sure what happened of this offer, but I thought it a bloody good idea....
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Post by pjw4118 on Mar 30, 2015 12:40:18 GMT 12
Yes the duplicate set is "on " And we have a full set of RNZAF medals including a VC , DSO, DFC etc on display in the BC Memorial Room at MOTAT
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Post by ZacYates on Mar 30, 2015 13:07:19 GMT 12
Wonderful news all around
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Post by ErrolC on Apr 13, 2015 9:00:02 GMT 12
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Post by ErrolC on Apr 15, 2015 19:35:17 GMT 12
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Post by skyhawkdon on Apr 15, 2015 20:55:44 GMT 12
There was a great piece on 3 News tonight covering it as well (saw Peter briefly in one shot). Les Munro and Lord Ashcroft, I salute and thank you.
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Post by ErrolC on Apr 15, 2015 21:12:23 GMT 12
TV3 video www.3news.co.nz/nznews/les-munros-war-medals-arrive-home-2015041512#axzz3XMomDXDCTVNZ video tvnz.co.nz/national-news/mission-accomplished-kiwi-war-hero-s-medals-come-home-6288850MOTAT release www.motat.org.nz/about-motat/news-media/les-munro-presents-medals-to-motat/Les Munro Presents Medals to MOTAT Today veteran Squadron Leader, Les Munro, presented his gallantry medals, flight logbooks and associated memorabilia to the Museum of Transport and Technology in a special hand-over ceremony at the Museum’s Aviation Display Hall. The presentation took place in front of one of the few remaining examples of the Avro Lancaster Bomber, made famous as a successful night bomber by the RAF Bomber Command in WWII. Lord Ashcroft, whose generous donation of £75,000 to the RAF Benevolent Fund made it possible for the medals to be retained in the country, collected the decorations and memorabilia from London auction house, Dix Noonan Webb, a couple of weeks ago and personally flew them back to New Zealand. Earlier in March, Les Munro accepted Lord Ashcroft’s substantial donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund in return for withdrawing his medals from auction and gifting them to MOTAT. The auction house waived receipt of their fee on the basis that MOTAT would pay it to the Benevolent Fund instead. Lord Ashcroft gave a moving speech at the ceremony explaining how his interest in war history was sparked as a 10-year-old boy when he learned of his father’s personal experiences as a World War One veteran. “I’m sorry if I sound a little emotional” said Lord Ashcroft “I’m a hard-headed businessman but this is my passion” he concluded. Prime Minister John Key acknowledged Mr Munro's altruism and referred to Lord Ashcroft as “a true unsung hero of New Zealand with a real passion for the country” Mr Munro said he was extremely grateful for Lord Ashcroft’s generosity which allowed the medals to remain on home soil. Although the medals will no longer be within the Munro family Mr Munro said “I am comforted by the thought of my medals being situated in close proximity to the Lancaster at MOTAT as I flew all but one of my operations in these planes. I appreciate very much indeed that they will have some relationship.” “The Museum is honoured to accept these precious items into its collection for the benefit of the Nation” said MOTAT CEO, Mr Michael Frawley. “MOTAT has a close association with NZ Bomber Command and the utmost respect for the sacrifice and courage these men showed in the Second World War. It’s our intention to develop an exhibition highlighting what Mr Les Munro, Mr Len Chambers and the other New Zealand members of Bomber Command, in particular 617 Squadron, did during the war.”
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Post by bobajob on Apr 16, 2015 0:19:57 GMT 12
Great news. Thanks to all concerned.
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Post by pjw4118 on Apr 19, 2015 11:05:39 GMT 12
Pictures of the presentation are on the nz bomber command facebook page
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Post by fwx on Apr 25, 2015 16:58:00 GMT 12
Item about Les Munro on TV1's Sunday, tomorrow night.
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Post by ErrolC on Feb 19, 2016 12:38:48 GMT 12
And now on display. I assume this is the cabinet next to the Thomas Frederick Duck items?
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Post by pjw4118 on Feb 19, 2016 12:57:49 GMT 12
Thats correct Errol. This cabinet previously held a set of uniforms but these are away for treatment
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Post by longforgan on Feb 24, 2016 13:48:53 GMT 12
Like the painting in the display!!!!
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Post by pjw4118 on Feb 25, 2016 17:57:48 GMT 12
We need to talk
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