National Library of New Zealand
Group Captain Leonard Henry Trent whose Victoria Cross is on display in the RNZAF Museum in Christchurch this month.
A Victoria Cross awarded to Nelson-born Squadron Leader (and later Group Captain) Leonard Henry Trent VC DFC (RAF 36146) is on public display for the first time. It’s the only VC in the RNZAF Museum of New Zealand collection at Wigram, Christchurch. The precious medal, which will be on display until May 9, was donated to the museum along with Trent’s nine other medals by his family after his death in 1986. A quiet and unassuming man, Trent disliked the fuss that the award caused and remained uncomfortable with the publicity and his renown as a war hero, always stressing the vital contribution of his aircrew and making a point of quietly visiting the families of those who gave their lives.