The end of an era as modest VC hero dies

BRITAIN'S last surviving Second World War recipient of the Victoria Cross has died aged 105.

- By Jon Coates

Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank was awarded the VC for bravery during an attack on an enemy submarine that left him seriously injured.

The hero was one of 181 people who received Britain's highest military decoration for their actions during the war.

His family said that he died last week and his funeral would be held in private.

John, from Aberdeen, captained a Catalina flying boat with 210 Squadron and flew submarine-hunting missions from RAF Sullom Voe, in the Shetland Islands.