A WAR hero credited with “saving the world” by ruining Nazi Germany's ability to make an atomic bomb was one of a group of distinguished Norwegian veterans who visited North Weald Airfield today to mark the 65th anniversary of VE Day.

Joakim Rønneberg, 90, was a guest of honour at the ceremony which was held at the site in recognition of the dozens of Scandinavian pilots who were based there during the Second World War.

Mr Rønneberg, who was immortalised in the hit Hollywood film 'The Heroes of Telemark' for his role leading a crack team behind enemy lines to blow up a factory which was producing the 'heavy water' the Nazis needed to make the bomb, said he felt honoured to be back on British soil.

He said: “It means a lot to me to be back in Britain. They would say to us we were 'going home' to Norway, but for us Britain was always our home.”

Speaking of the famous Telemark raid, he said: “At the time of course we knew it was important, but we didn't know exactly why.

“We were not nervous because we were concentrating so much on carrying out the job.

“It was only when the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima that we started to read in the British newspapers about these 'Norwegians who saved the world' that we realised.”

Another veteran, 92-year-old retired general Wilhelm Mohr, who was posted to North Weald at the age of 22, and said he was overjoyed to be back for the ceremony.

He said: “I am here with great reverence. When you look back I must confess it was a very happy time. We were a gang that was dedicated and ambitious to do our part.

“We had great hospitality and friendship extended to us by the Royal Air Force and indeed the community around this area.

“We used to go out in Epping to places like Thatched House and we were always very warmly welcomed. It is very interesting to see North Weald today. It certainly has changed a lot.”