Last surviving WW2 VC recipient dies at 105, having received 72 wounds in attack on Catalina

Second World War veteran Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank has died at the age of 105, his family have announced.

Flt Lt Cruickshank received the Victoria Cross in September 1944 for his bravery while piloting a Catalina flying boat – one of the most widely used seaplanes of the time – with 210 Squadron.

During World War Two, he was deployed on submarine-hunting missions from RAF Sullom Voe in the Shetland Islands and was awarded the VC for sinking a German U-boat, despite sustaining serious injuries.

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Ft Lt Cruickshank was sent to fly over the Norwegian Sea to protect the British Home Fleet as it returned from an attack on a German battleship on 17 July 1944.

He and his crew spotted a U-boat on the surface of the sea and launched an offensive.

The first bomb attack failed, but Flt Lt Cruickshank turned the plane to face enemy anti-aircraft fire and tried again.

This time he was successful, sinking the U-boat, but he received 72 separate wounds in the process – including in his lungs and legs.

His navigator was killed and three other members of his crew were also injured.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Flt Lt Cruickshank managed to direct another crew member to pilot the plane during the five and a half hour flight back to base.

Speaking in 2013, he downplayed his heroic actions, saying: "It was just normal, we were trained to do the job and that was it.

"I wouldn't like to say I'm the only one that has an amazing story, there are plenty of other stories coming from that time.

"It wasn't that wonderful in those days, I can tell you that.

"We could only think in those days there were better days to come."

In all, 181 people received the Victoria Cross for their actions during the Second World War.

The VC is the highest award in the British honours system to commend Armed Forces personnel.

It is awarded to members of the British military who show unparalleled bravery in the face of the enemy.

In 2024, Flt Lt Cruikshank was belatedly presented with another medal, the Air Efficiency Award, at his home in Aberdeen.  

This was awarded to many volunteers who served in the RAF's two reserve contingents during the war and later.