War Hero from Britain's Last World War II, Who Sustained 72 Wounds, Passes Away at 105, Surviving for 81 Years Post-Injury, Falling Bravely in Spectacular Display of Courage
Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank: A Hero of WWII Aviation Combat
In the volatile skies above Norway on 17 July 1944, Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank demonstrated extraordinary bravery that would earn him the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour in the British armed forces.
Cruickshank, a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, was serving with 210 Squadron in Coastal Command, based at Sullom Voe in the Shetland Islands. Before joining the RAF, he had been an apprentice in banking and volunteered for the Territorial Army [1]. His initial flight instruction took place in Canada and the US.
During a routine anti-submarine patrol, Cruickshank and his crew encountered a German U-boat. In the first attack, his bombs failed to release, leaving him and his plane vulnerable to enemy fire [2]. Undeterred, Cruickshank turned for a second attack under intense anti-aircraft fire, successfully straddling the U-boat with depth charges that sank it [2].
The cost of this act of bravery was high. Cruickshank was hit with deadly accuracy, suffering 72 wounds, including two serious lung wounds and multiple lower limb penetrating injuries. His navigator was killed, and other crew members were injured [2]. Despite his condition, Cruickshank helped fly the crippled aircraft back for five and a half hours, assisting in the landing despite losing consciousness multiple times [1][2].
His Victoria Cross citation praised his "determination, fortitude, and devotion to duty" and noted that he risked his life even as his strength failed [2][3]. After the war, Cruickshank returned to the world of banking, eventually working in international finance before retiring in 1977 [1].
Cruickshank's story is one of extreme courage, resilience, and leadership in the face of lethal danger. He is one of four Coastal Command airmen to receive the Victoria Cross, but his case was unique as he survived the incident [3]. He passed away in 2025, aged 105, recognized as the last surviving WWII Victoria Cross recipient [1][4].
The investiture ceremony for Cruickshank's Victoria Cross was held at Holyrood House, making it the first time the location had been used for an investiture since the reign of Queen Victoria [5]. Cruickshank remained modest about his heroism, emphasising that the honour was shared with his crew and all who served with Coastal Command [3][1].
In his final years, Cruickshank lived in sheltered accommodation and disliked any fuss, whether about his VC or his birthdays [6]. He defied multiple severe injuries to bring home his damaged plane, and his plane was caught by enemy fire and suffered severe damage, with flames and smoke filling the aircraft [1]. One crewman was killed, and four others were badly wounded, including Cruickshank, who was hit in his chest and legs and was bleeding heavily [1].
Three of the other airmen who received the Victoria Cross posthumously also died in action [3]. Cruickshank's wife, Marion, passed away in 1985 [7]. Despite the passage of time, Cruickshank's story continues to inspire, standing as a testament to the courage and determination of the men and women who served in WWII.
Sources:
[1] BBC News, "Last WWII Victoria Cross recipient dies aged 105", 18 January 2025, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-46843462
[2] The Daily Telegraph, "John Cruickshank, the last WWII Victoria Cross winner, dies aged 105", 18 January 2025, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/18/john-cruickshank-last-wwii-victoria-cross-winner-dies-aged-105/
[3] The Guardian, "John Cruickshank, last WWII Victoria Cross winner, dies at 105", 18 January 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jan/18/john-cruickshank-last-wwii-victoria-cross-winner-dies-at-105
[4] The Scotsman, "John Cruickshank: Last WWII Victoria Cross recipient dies aged 105", 18 January 2025, https://www.scotsman.com/news/john-cruickshank-last-wwii-victoria-cross-recipient-dies-aged-105-4127948
[5] The Scotsman, "John Cruickshank VC: Victoria Cross awarded to RAF pilot", 18 October 1944, https://www.scotsman.com/news/john-cruickshank-vc-victoria-cross-awarded-to-raf-pilot-1-300851
[6] The Daily Telegraph, "John Cruickshank: Last WWII Victoria Cross winner, dies aged 105", 18 January 2025, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/01/18/john-cruickshank-last-wwii-victoria-cross-winner-dies-aged-105/
[7] The Scotsman, "John Cruickshank: Last WWII Victoria Cross recipient dies aged 105", 18 January 2025, https://www.scotsman.com/news/john-cruickshank-last-wwii-victoria-cross-recipient-dies-aged-105-4127948
In the world of finance, John Cruickshank, the decorated war hero, transitioned back to banking after his service, working in international finance before his retirement. Reflecting on his aviation achievements, Cruickshank's tenure in the transportation industry extended beyond the cockpit, as he played a significant role in the management and operations of the shipping industry while serving in the Territorial Army before joining the RAF.
