The heroism of Britain’s last surviving Victoria Cross holder for air action in World War Two has been honoured with a flypast on the 80th anniversary of the award.
Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, who is now aged 104, was awarded with the honour at the age of 24 after sinking a German U-boat despite sustaining 72 separate injuries.
He was the captain of a Catalina flying boat with 210 Squadron, flying submarine hunting missions from RAF Sullom Voe, Shetland.
The Victoria Cross is the highest recognition for valour that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces.
On Wednesday, a Catalina flew over Aberdeen where Mr Cruickshank lives, marking 80 years since he received the honour.
STV NewsOn July 17, 1944, on a patrol north into the Norwegian Sea to protect the British Home Fleet as it returned from an attack on the German battleship Tirpitz, Mr Cruickshank and his crew spotted a German Type U-boat on the surface.
He dropped depth charges, sinking the U-boat, while four of his crew were injured and his navigator killed by German anti-aircraft fire.
STV NewsTwo of his 72 injuries were life threatening but he managed to get the aircraft and his surviving crew members home and land safely.
The commemorative flight was piloted by Jeff Boyling, which then travelled on to Shetland.
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