MINI BIO

Leonard Henry (registered as Henry Leonard) Trent moved to Takaka, in 1919 where, three years later, after taking a short ride in a Gipsy Moth aircraft, he became captivated by flight. He took up a lifelong passion for golf while boarding between 1928 to 1934.
After leaving school, Trent worked in a freezing works, then as a dental technician, saving part of his salary so that he might achieve his goal of becoming a pilot.
After a short stint of introductory flight instruction, he undertook RNZAF flight training.
Obtaining his wings on 12 May 38. A month later he sailed for Britain to join the RAF.
After war was declared he flew high level photo reconnaissance missions.
He then trained in in heavier bombers and flew combat missions in May and June 1940.
July 40 he received a DFC for his contribution to the Battle of Flanders. 
He married Ursula Elizabeth Woolhouse 7 Aug 40, they had three children.
Trent returned to combat duties in March 1942 and was promoted to squadron leader in June.   He conducted many difficult raids on German targets in Holland during the last months of 1942 and the beginning of 1943. After his aircraft was destroyed over Holland he was captured and incarcerated in Stalag Luft III, and was part of the Great Escape.  Recaptured, he remained a POW until 1945.  He learnt of his VC when returning to England.  Quiet and unassuming, Trent disliked the fuss this award caused.
He held several important command positions and was also aide-de-camp to Queen Elizabeth II.
After retiring, he returned to NZ with his wife.  Despite spending so much of his life overseas, he always considered himself a New Zealander and remained proud that he had earned his Victoria Cross as a member of a New Zealand squadron..

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LONDON GAZETTE

No. 37486

26 February 1946

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On 3 May 1943, Squadron Leader Trent was detailed to lead a formation of Ventura aircraft in a daylight attack on the power station at Amsterdam. This operation was intended to encourage the Dutch workmen in their resistance to enemy pressure and the target was known to be heavily defended. The importance of bombing it, regardless of enemy fighters or anti-aircraft fire, was strongly impressed on the aircrews taking part in the operation. Before taking off Squadron Leader Trent told the deputy leader that he was going over the target whatever happened. All went well until the eleven Venturas and their fighter escort were nearing the Dutch Coast. Then one bomber was hit and had to turn back. Suddenly large numbers of enemy fighters appeared. Our escorting fighters were hotly engaged and lost touch with the bombing force. The Venturas closed up for mutual protection and commenced their run up to the target. Unfortunately the fighters detailed to support them over the target had reached the area too early and had been recalled. Soon the bombers were attacked. They were at the mercy of fifteen to twenty Messerschmitts which dived on them incessantly. Within four minutes six Venturas were destroyed. Squadron Leader Trent continued on his course with the remaining three aircraft, and in a short time two more Venturas went down in flames. Heedless of the murderous attacks and of the heavy anti-aircraft fire which was now encountered, Squadron Leader Trent completed an accurate bombing run, and even shot down a Messerschmitt at point blank range. Dropping his bombs in the target area he turned away. The aircraft following him was shot down on reaching the target. Immediately afterwards his own aircraft was hit and went into a spin and broke up. Squadron Leader Trent and his navigator were thrown clear and became prisoners of war. The two other members of the crew perished. On this, his twenty-fourth sortie, Squadron Leader Trent showed outstanding leadership. Such was the trust placed in this gallant officer that the other pilots followed him unwaveringly. His cool unflinching courage and devotion to duty in the face of overwhelming odds rank with the fine examples of these virtues.