Apiata to Australian VC winner: 'Welcome to the club, mate'

Corporal Willie Apiata and Trooper Mark Donaldson. Photo / Supplied

What do these two have in common? Corporal Willie Apiata and Trooper Mark Donaldson are two of only 10 living Victoria Cross holders.

They had a rare meeting in Auckland this week to "compare notes on living with a VC".

Corporal Apiata said it was "great to meet Mark and share the VC experience with a fellow Anzac".

Corporal Apiata became the first New Zealander since World War II to be awarded the Victoria Cross, after he rescued an SAS trooper in Afghanistan and returned to fight those who had fired on their patrol.

Trooper Donaldson is the first Australian in 40 years to be awarded the Victoria Cross. His award was also for bravery in Afghanistan, where he rescued an interpreter.

- NZ HERALD STAFF