Last living recipient of Second World War VC awarded one more medal - 75 years late

A former Royal Air Force pilot who is the last living recipient of the Victoria Cross from the Second World War has just received another medal – 75 years after he earned it.

John Cruickshank VC, 103, was presented with the Air Efficiency Award at his home in Aberdeen.  

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

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However, the 75-year oversight that led to Mr Cruickshank missing out on the medal was only uncovered last month.

The Air Efficiency Award has now been added to one of the most impressive racks of medals belonging to anyone who served in that period – includes his Victoria Cross.

Mr Cruickshank, who was then a Flying Officer, earned the UK's highest award for gallantry while he was piloting a Catalina flying boat with 210 Squadron at RAF Sulom Voe in Shetland.

He sustained 72 injuries during a patrol in the Norwegian Sea to protect the British Home Fleet as it returned from an attack on the German battleship Tirpitz on 17 July 1944.

Mr Cruickshank and his crew sunk a German U-boat while returning from the mission, believed to have been the Type VIIC submarine U-361, but three other members of his crew were also injured – and his navigator killed – by German anti-aircraft fire.

Two of Mr Cruickshank's injuries were particularly life-threatening, but he managed to get the aircraft and his surviving crew members home and land safely.

The Royal Auxiliary Air Force Foundation noticed that the Air Efficiency Award seemed to be missing from Mr Cruickshank’s impressive medal rack late last year.

The medal, which was instituted in 1942, was awarded uniquely to individuals serving with the RAF Volunteer Reserve or Royal Auxiliary Air Force on completion of 10 years’ efficient service.

Service during the Second World War counted as treble.

Presenting the award, Group Captain (retd) Bob Kemp said: "It is always a pleasure to meet John in Aberdeen, and I was delighted to be able to present him with his long overdue medal.

"John Cruickshank's many honours and awards clearly distinguishes him as one of the thousands of RAF Reservists who have given so much in the service of this country.

"The RAF has a proud tradition of maritime patrol that they continue from Scotland to this day – a tradition exemplified by John Cruickshank and his generation."