Awarded VC for sinking U-boat

FLT LT JOHN Cruickshank was Britain’s last surviving Second World War Victoria Cross recipient — just one of 181 people who received Britain’s highest military decoration for their actions during the conflict.

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Born in Aberdeen, he was 24 when he was sent on a patrol to protect the British Home Fleet as it returned from an attack on the German battleship Tirpitz. A U-boat was spotted on the surface near Norway and the aircraft he was flying launched an offensive.

The first bombs failed to release but Cruickshank looped back to face enemy fire and attack again.

The U-boat sank in the second attempt but he sustained severe injuries, including to his lungs and legs, during the crossfire.