Munro, John Leslie "Les"
- Date of birth:
- April 5th, 1919 (Gisborne New Zealand)
- Date of death:
- August 4th, 2015
- Service number:
- (N.2.413942)
- Nationality:
- New Zealander
Biography
Les Munro was also invested with the New Zealand Order of Merit and the New Zealand Queen's Service Order.
Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 97 (Straits Settlements) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- June 11th, 1943
"This officer has completed 21 successful sorties as Captain of Aircraft. Many of his attacks have been made against the most heavily defended German towns and include three sorties against Berlin and three against Essen. In addition, he has also taken part in long range attacks on Italy and elsewhere.
Flight Lieutenant Munro has pressed home all these attacks with great courage and determination and his leadership has set an example for all the other captains in the unit."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 28th, 1944
Recommendation:
"Squadron Leader Munro has completed 20 operational sorties since the award of the D.F.C.
During May 1943, he was detailed for the attack of the Mohne Dam (sic), but his aircraft was heavily engaged and severely damaged by A.A. defences while crossing the enemy coast. The intercommunication system of his aircraft was severed and he thus had no option but to return to base. This was a real and bitter disappointment to him.
Squadron Leader Munro’s very distinguished and successful operational record has resulted in his well earned promotion to Deputy Leader for the operations of 617 Squadron. He has taken part in many attacks at a low-level and these have included such targets as the Antheor Viaduct, St. Etienne, Albert and Clermont Ferrand.
This officer has on many occasions returned to base with his aircraft severely damaged by flak. During the recent attack against Albert, the leader of the operation was unable to release his marker bombs and Squadron Leader Munro was called upon to mark the target. He had only sufficient bombs for one attack but they fell directly on the aiming point and an operation which looked like being abortive was thus turned into an outstanding success. His indomitable and cool courage and his great qualities as Captain of Aircraft have enabled him to perform similar duties with unfailing success and in consequence he has been directly responsible for the destruction of many important targets in occupied Europe.
Squadron Leader Munro’s unfailing devotion to duty, gallantry and great qualities of leadership have been an inspiration and an example to the whole Squadron. He is therefore strongly recommended for the immediate award of the D.S.O."
Awarded as an immediate DSO.
"Squadron Leader Munro has completed 20 operational sorties since the award of the D.F.C.
During May 1943, he was detailed for the attack of the Mohne Dam (sic), but his aircraft was heavily engaged and severely damaged by A.A. defences while crossing the enemy coast. The intercommunication system of his aircraft was severed and he thus had no option but to return to base. This was a real and bitter disappointment to him.
Squadron Leader Munro’s very distinguished and successful operational record has resulted in his well earned promotion to Deputy Leader for the operations of 617 Squadron. He has taken part in many attacks at a low-level and these have included such targets as the Antheor Viaduct, St. Etienne, Albert and Clermont Ferrand.
This officer has on many occasions returned to base with his aircraft severely damaged by flak. During the recent attack against Albert, the leader of the operation was unable to release his marker bombs and Squadron Leader Munro was called upon to mark the target. He had only sufficient bombs for one attack but they fell directly on the aiming point and an operation which looked like being abortive was thus turned into an outstanding success. His indomitable and cool courage and his great qualities as Captain of Aircraft have enabled him to perform similar duties with unfailing success and in consequence he has been directly responsible for the destruction of many important targets in occupied Europe.
Squadron Leader Munro’s unfailing devotion to duty, gallantry and great qualities of leadership have been an inspiration and an example to the whole Squadron. He is therefore strongly recommended for the immediate award of the D.S.O."
Awarded as an immediate DSO.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
War Service Medal 1939-1945
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- - The London Gazette
Publication date:8 June 1943 Supplement:36051Page:2678
- The London Gazette Publication date:25 April 1944 Supplement:36489Page:1950
- Dix Noonan Webb: Auctioneers and Valuers of Medals & Militaria, Coins, Ancient Coins, Banknotes, Tokens, Historical & Art Medals and Jewellery
- World War II unit histories & officers
- Global Aviation Stories
Photo
Looking for reliable information or news facts about WW2? Do you want to create your own battlefield tour to sights of wars from the past? Or are you interested in war medals and their recipients? TracesOfWar.com tells you more!
More information
© STIWOT, 1999-2024. All rights reserved. Privacy statement, cookies, disclaimer and copyright