16 Oct 2009

Statue of NZ war hero to stand in Trafalgar Square

10:17 pm on 16 October 2009

A statue of the New Zealander who led the Royal Air Force throughout the Battle of Britain will be unveiled in London in November.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park was responsible for the defence of London and the south-east of England during the war against Nazi Germany.

The statue will be in place for six months on the traditionally empty fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in central London.

The statue will be erected permanently in nearby Waterloo Place next September, on the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Sir Keith died 34 years ago. Nephew Stephen Park says the family is delighted by the recognition of his war efforts.