A MEMBER of a secret wartime unit who was decorated by the French President for his part of resisting the Nazis has died in New Zealand aged 95.

Hamish Craig was married to former Abergavenny High School pupil, Connie Gazzard and the family are still remembered by many in the town.

Hamish was honoured by France when he was appointed knight of the national order of the legion of honour.

During World War Two Hamish was, as far as his friends and family were aware,working in a reserve occupation on the family farm and training with the Home Guard.

In reality, Hamish had been asked to join Great Britain’s secret auxiliary units and the secret nature of the units meant that for fifty years the training and work could not be disclosed, even to family or friends.

Hamish trained with the Commandos. He also trained as a parachutist and as an explosives expert. He parachuted, on his own, into France behind the German lines, to work alongside the Maquis.

Hamish married Connie in 1950. Connie was born in Cleobury Mortimer but her family moved to Abergavenny where she attended Abergavenny Girls High School.

In 1957 Hamish moved with his family to Otago in the South Island of New Zealand, where he farmed for many years. His youngest child, Alex, was born in New Zealand. Connie and Hamish retired to the Hibiscus Coast, near Auckland, where their daughters were living.

Connie passed away in 2001, just months after their 50th wedding anniversary. She had always been a huge support to Hamish and was very active in her community, with involvement in Citizen’s Advice Bureau and volunteer work.

The family of Hamish and Connie would be happy to hear from anyone who remembers them and can be contacted at [email protected].