The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Aberdeen VC hero sustained 72 injuries
High flyer who sank U-boat is honoured
The oldest surviving Victoria Cross recipient was among the guests of honour at a celebration of the RAF’s 100th year in Aberdeen.
The Royal Northern and University Club staged a gathering at its home on Albyn Place yesterday to highlight the contributions members had made to the air force over the past century.
Among more than 60 attendees was John Cruickshank VC, a 98-yearold Aberdeen man who was awarded the accolade for gallantry after sinking a German U-boat during World War II.
The war hero, who sustained 72 wounds during the mission, said the function yesterday was “a very special day for the club”.
Club chairman Jimmy Hutchison explained that the day had partly been arranged to pay tribute to Mr Cruickshank.
Mr Hutchison said: “He is such a modest man who does not like a fuss to be made of him, but the truth is that he is a very special individual.
“It has proved very popular.
“There was a waiting list of members wanting to attend.”
Robert Gordon’s College pupil Daniel Milne, 17, piped the guests into the building as the gathering began.
Warm greetings were exchanged as old friends – many dressed in their military regalia – became reacquainted over a drink.
A b e r d e e n w o m a n Eleanor Henderson wore the medals her dad James Fraser was awarded for serving in the famous 617 “Dambusters” squadron in the Second World War.
She said: “The family is so proud of what my dad achieved in winning a Distinguished Flying Medal and I wanted to represent him.
“When I heard about this, I knew I wanted to go along and wear his medals. It is nice to remember him.”
The main speaker was Group Captain Robert Kemp, an RAF legend who gained the nickname “Buccaneer Bob” during a 20-year career as a weapons instructor flying Buccaneer fast jets.
The event was the idea of club member Alex Urquhart, who said: “We wanted to acknowledge 100 years of the RAF and the club members who have been associated with it throughout its history.”
The Royal Northern and University Club was formed in 1979 when the Royal Northern Club – which dates back to 1854 – and the University Club, founded in 1889, became amalgamated.
“The truth is that he is a very special individual”