Going from a "pirate" to a knight would seem an amazing transformation but it's just another episode in an extraordinary life.
Porangahau man John Cameron will become a knight on July 25, when he will be awarded the medal of Knight of the French Legion of Honour for his World War II contribution to the defence and liberation of France.
Mr Cameron, 93, worked on Royal Navy minesweepers. The "sweeps" were cables wired to locate and detonate magnetic mines as well as acoustic mines which targeted the sound of a ship's engine.
Because the minesweepers were often wooden former fishing boats the Royal Naval Patrol Service gained the moniker Churchill's Pirates.
Mr Cameron said while he was honoured to receive the award many were more deserving, including those who lost their lives in other branches of the armed services.