UPDATED 3.24PM: The last of the Dambusters pilots, New Zealander Les Munro, has died. He was 96.

LISTEN: Les Munro - The medals of a Dambuster

WATCH LES MUNRO RECOUNT HIS ROLE IN THE DAMBUSTERS RAID ABOVE 

The New Zealand Bomber Command Association announced his death, saying Munro died last night after a spell in hospital with heart problems.

Munro donated his medals, flight log books, and other memorabilia to become part of an exhibition at the Museum of Transport and Technology dedicated to the New Zealand members of Bomber Command, and their service during the Second World War.

Earlier this year, Munro was awarded the French Legion of Honour for his bravery and commitment.

As well as being a wartime hero, the 617 Squadron veteran Munro served as Mayor of Waitomo.

New Zealand Bomber Command Association president Ron Mayhill said that while he didn't know Munro that well, he was always extremely helpful.

"He was a modest fellow, he never pushed himself in any way. He always there to help if he could," Mayhill said.

The Dambusters raids sought to cripple Nazi Germany's industrial capacity in the Ruhr Valley area by breaching hydroelectric dams.

Codenamed Operation Chastise, 19 four-engined Lancaster bombers flew at low level to their targets on the 16th of May 1943. They used a specially-designed 'bouncing bomb' which skipped across the surface of the water, hitting the front of the dam and sinking to the bottom before detonating. 

Eight aircraft were shot down and 53 airmen were killed. Hundreds of German civilians died in the eventual flooding.