France honours Kiwi heroes

Ronald Mayhill (left) and Basil Williams receive their medals yesterday from French Ambassador Florence Jeanblanc-Risler. Photo / Jason Oxenham

France has honoured the heroic efforts of two New Zealand war veterans - one who joined a successful bombing mission after being blinded in one eye, the other who survived a German prisoner of war camp.

On a French naval frigate docked in Auckland, Ronald Mayhill and Basil Williams were awarded medals as knights of the French Legion of Honour yesterday.

French Ambassador Florence Jeanblanc-Risler presented the Aucklanders with the medals on Prairial, which was docked in Auckland from Saturday until today.

The World War II veterans, who trained in Canada and Britain, were recognised in the presence of friends, family and officials, including several Defence Force representatives.

Mr Mayhill, a flight lieutenant, enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1942.

His first day of active duty was D-Day, when the Allies invaded German-occupied northwest Europe.

Mr Mayhill was significantly wounded when his aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and temporarily blinded in one eye -- but completed a further successful bombing run.

Mr Williams, a warrant officer, enlisted in the RNZAF in 1941 and began operational service two years later. Just seven months later his aircraft was shot down and he was taken to a German prisoner of war camp, from which he was liberated at the end of the war.

Founded by French leader Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honour seeks to reward distinguished military and civilian services rendered to the nation.

As part of this, France's defence forces honour veterans and civilians who facilitated the country's liberation from the Nazis -- including 15 New Zealanders who have been decorated since last year.