NSW’s longest-serving governor, war hero Roden Cutler, died yesterday after a long illness. He was 85.

Sir Roden, who lost a leg and won the Victoria Cross fighting the Vichy French in the Middle East, will be honoured with a state funeral.

NSW Premier Bob Carr paid tribute to Sir Roden, who served as governor of the state from 1966 to 1981.

“For his long-term of office and his rigorous application to public service, Sir Roden Cutler deserves a special regard and warm recollection,” Mr Carr said.

“From both sides of politics, he attracted not only respect, but a personal regard and admiration.”

Sir Roden was born in Manly in 1916 and attended Sydney Boy’s High. At the beginning of World War II he joined the Sydney University Regiment and became a lieutenant in the Australian Imperial Force.

He won the VC in Syria for his conduct over 18 days as an advance artillery observer. He lost a leg after he was left lying on the ground for several days after being machine-gunned. Close to death, he was rescued by a friend.

Sir Roden, a career diplomat, became NSW secretary of the RSL after he returned from the war and retained close links with the league for the rest of his life.

“He was a bloke who put the welfare of his companions first and foremost,” said NSW RSL president Rusty Priest, a long-time friend.

Sir Roden’s death leaves only two Australian VC winners, Edward Kenna (World War II) and Keith Payne (Vietnam).

Colleen McCullough wrote a biography of Sir Roden in 1998. It was at that time that he made his last major public statements.

He expressed despair at what he saw as the increasing greed of Australians and a growing attitude of self-interest. He believed more emphasis should be placed on social and charitable work and less on sport.

Sir Roden is survived by his second wife Joan, four children and nine grandchildren.