Last surviving WW2 Victoria Cross recipient dies aged 105
Summary
John Cruickshank, the last living World War Two Victoria Cross recipient, passed away at the age of 105. He was recognized for his bravery during an attack on a German U-Boat in 1944, where he piloted a Catalina flying boat despite being injured. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in Britain, for his actions.Key Facts
- John Cruickshank was born in 1920 and was 24 years old when he received the Victoria Cross.
- He received the Victoria Cross on August 29, 1944, for his bravery during World War Two.
- The Victoria Cross is the highest military honor for valor in the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces.
- In June 1944, Cruickshank attacked a German U-Boat in the Norwegian Sea, despite suffering 72 injuries.
- During the attack, his aircraft's bombs initially did not release, but he successfully attacked again after turning the plane around.
- Navigator John Dickson died, and two other crew members were injured in the mission.
- Cruickshank refused medical help and successfully flew the damaged plane back to base.
- After the war, he left the Royal Air Force in 1946 and moved into a career in banking.
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