The 100-year-old hero... last VC winner of WWII
U-boat killer celebrates birthday today
HE flew through a hail of anti-aircraft fire to sink a Nazi U-boat.
Now, more than 75 years on, the last living Second World War veteran to have received the Victoria Cross is celebrating his 100th birthday.
John Cruickshank was born just two years after the formation of the Royal Air Force and went on to serve as a pilot during the struggle against Nazi Germany.
His heroics at the controls of a seaplane earned him the highest wartime honour the monarch can bestow.
Mr Cruickshank, from Aberdeen, is expected to get another honourable royal seal of approval today – a card from the Queen for his landmark birthday.
He was given the Victoria Cross (VC) after commanding a plane that made an audacious strike on a German U-boat in 1944.
At the age of just 24, he wove through a hail of flak in order to sink the submarine, which had been spotted off the Norwegian coast. Despite mistiming his first run at the vessel, he bravely took another dive and was successful in using the plane’s depth charges to destroy the enemy craft.
Several of his fellow crew lost their lives in the raid, while Mr Cruickshank was gravely injured, His aircraft was hit in 72 places.
Despite this, the Catalina plane managed to make the five-hour trip back to Shetland thanks to
Mr Cruickshank rallying to resume command and get his crew home.
His Victoria Cross citation said: ‘An immediate landing would be a hazardous task for the wounded, less experienced second pilot.
‘Although able to breathe only with the greatest difficulty, Flying Officer Cruickshank insisted on being carried forward and propped up in the second pilot’s seat. For a full hour, in spite of his agony and increasing weakness, he gave orders as necessary.’
Mr Cruickshank had to be given a blood transfusion before he could be moved to hospital.
The citation also said he had ‘set an example of determination, fortitude and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Service’.
Aberdeen Lord Provost Barney Crockett said: ‘Of all the VCs ever given, his must rank as one of the most deserving. To see what he did and what he came through, we just have to be in awe of that.
‘He deserves huge recognition for what he did.’