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New Zealand's newest Victoria Cross holder, Corporal Willie Apiata, has attended a London ceremony honouring one of the nation's most famous VC recipients, Lord Bernard Freyberg.
"It was a privilege to take part in a ceremony to honour one of our most distinguished military commanders," Corporal Apiata said of Sunday's ceremony.
"From what I have read about Lord Freyberg he was a fine officer and well respected by his troops as he was known for putting their welfare above his own.
"No soldier could ask for more."
The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Helen Clark, New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Hunt and members of the Freyberg family.
Lord Freyberg won the Victoria Cross on the Somme in 1916 and went on to command the New Zealand forces in World War II. He also served as New Zealand's Governor-General from 1946 to 1952.
Corporal Apiata received the Victoria Cross in July. He won it as a member of the army's elite Special Air Services when he refused to leave a wounded mate when they were ambushed in Afghanistan in 2004.
- NZPA
