The last surviving Dambusters pilot, Les Munro, has died at the age of 96. Leslie Munro - known as Les - died in a hospital in his native New Zealand on Tuesday night after a short illness.

"Our New Zealand Bomber Command Association Patron, and well-known Dambuster pilot, Les Munro passed away this morning following a spell in hospital with heart problems. So, so sad. he was a mighty man," the association said on its Facebook page.

Munro was part of a mission meant for conducting bombing raids on Germany's Ruhr Valley hydro-dams during World War II. He was among 19 pilots who flew a top secret mission to smash the Moehne and Eder Dams on the night of May 16, 1943 and who became known as the Dambusters, according to Radio New Zealand.

"I think he was pretty proud to have been part of the Dambusters, although he was disappointed he never got to drop his weapon," said Dave Homewood of the New Zealand Bomber Command Association, according to BBC.

"He went on to be a flight commander and did a lot of very important operations after the dam raid, although these are often forgotten because the Dambusters were world-renowned," said Homewood.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key paid tribute to country's hero. "Really sad to hear of Les Munro's death, New Zealand has lost a remarkable man who led a remarkable life," he Tweeted.

Really sad to hear of Les Munro’s death, New Zealand has lost a remarkable man who led a remarkable life.

— John Key (@johnkeypm) August 4, 2015

Munro was twice decorated by King George VI for his flying exploits during World War II. He rose to the rank of squadron leader during his extraordinary career.

"He was not a man that did a lot of skiting [boasting]. He was an honest sort of bloke, a very sensible sort of fellow who was very good at mixing with everybody," said friend Jack Meehan, according to New Zealand Herald.