Dwight (my go-to guy for obituaries) has one worth your time: the last WWII recipient of the Victoria Cross takes off on his final flight.
For those on this side of the Pond who are unfamiliar with the VC, it is the UK equivalent of the US Medal Of Honor: awarded for bravery above and beyond the call of duty under fire. It (as the HoH) is very often awarded posthumously. Flight Lt. Cruickshank survived the war to the ripe old age of 105, the oldest WWII VC recipient.
As with many who served - and very, very many of those awarded these decorations - he kept an enormous humility. I love this quote from Dwight's post:
…he told The Daily Telegraph, “The citation said ‘showed great courage’ and all that nonsense, but a lot of people would have done that in those circumstances.”
Translation: No, I wasn't a hero in the war. But I served in a Company of heroes.
Ave atque vale, Flight Lieutenant. May your Final Review be in Glory.
Apologies for being a pit-nicker, but the first citation should read "WWII", not WWI.
ReplyDeleteMay he be in heaven with his family and comrades...
And a link would be good - I'd like to read about this hero.
ReplyDeleteBoth fixed.
ReplyDeleteMay he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteHere is his citation, from the Maritime Patrol Association, where he is listed in the Hall of Heroes.
ReplyDeleteWhen a U-boat was sighted on the surface, Flying Officer Cruickshank at once turned to the attack. In the face of fierce anti-aircraft fire he maneuvered into position and ran in to release his depth charges. Unfortunately they failed to drop...Without hesitation, he climbed and turned to come in again. The Catalina was met by intense and accurate fire and was repeatedly hit. The navigator/bomb aimer was killed. The second pilot and two other members of the crew were injured. Flying Officer Cruickshank was struck in seventy-two places, receiving two serious wounds in the lungs and ten penetrating wounds in the lower limbs. His aircraft was badly damaged and filled with the fumes of exploding shells. But he did not falter. He pressed home his attack, and released the depth charges himself, straddling the submarine perfectly. The U-boat was sunk. He then collapsed and the second pilot took over the controls…Only after he was certain his aircraft was safe and on course for home did he consent to receive medical aid and have his wounds attended to. He refused morphine in case it might prevent him from carrying on…The damaged aircraft eventually reached base but it was clear that an immediate landing would be a hazardous task for the wounded and less experienced second pilot. Although able to breathe only with the greatest difficulty, Flying Officer Cruickshank insisted on being carried forward and propped up in the second pilots seat. For a full hour, in spite of his agony and ever increasing weakness, he gave orders as necessary, until the aircraft was safely landed on the water…When the medical officer went on board, Flying Officer Cruickshank collapsed and he had to be given a blood transfusion before he could be removed to hospital. Throughout, he set an example of determination, fortitude and devotion to duty in keeping with the highest traditions of the Service…