Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, the last surviving Second World War recipient of the Victoria Cross, has died at the age of 105, according to an announcement by the Royal Air Force (RAF). His passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in British military history, closing the book on a generation of extraordinary valor and sacrifice that shaped the modern world.
The news was shared by the RAF on August 16, 2025, with a heartfelt message on Facebook: "We are saddened to hear of the death of Britain's last surviving World War Two Victoria Cross recipient Flight Lieutenant (retired) John Cruickshank, who died last week age 105." The RAF Association echoed the sentiment, stating, "We thank you for your service." These tributes reflect the deep respect and gratitude felt across the United Kingdom and beyond for a man whose actions continue to inspire.
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, John Cruickshank was just 24 years old when he earned the Victoria Cross—the highest military decoration for valor in the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces. The award is reserved for service personnel who have demonstrated extreme bravery in the face of the enemy. Only 181 individuals received the honor during the Second World War, and Cruickshank was the last living link to this distinguished group, as reported by Sky News.
Cruickshank's moment of heroism came on July 17, 1944, during a mission that would test the limits of human endurance and courage. As the captain of a Catalina flying boat, he was tasked with overseeing submarine-hunting patrols from an RAF base in the Shetland Islands. On that fateful day, his crew was sent out to protect the British Home Fleet as it returned from an attack on a German battleship. The mission quickly escalated when a German U-boat was spotted on the surface near Norway.
Under heavy enemy fire, Cruickshank and his crew launched an offensive bombing run. But things did not go as planned—the first bombs failed to release. Refusing to give up, Cruickshank turned the heavily armed aircraft around, braving a hail of gunfire to make another attack. This time, he released the bombs himself, successfully destroying the enemy submarine. The action was later described by The Independent as an example of "determination, fortitude and devotion to duty."
The cost of this victory was staggering. During the engagement, Cruickshank sustained 72 injuries, including two wounds to his lungs and ten to his lower limbs. The navigator, John Dickson, was killed, and three other crew members—including his co-pilot—were seriously wounded. The aircraft itself was badly damaged and filled with toxic fumes from exploding shells. Despite the carnage and chaos, Cruickshank refused medical attention and remained at the controls for the perilous five-and-a-half-hour flight back to their base at Sullom Voe in Shetland.
Even as he lost consciousness multiple times during the return journey, Cruickshank continued to assist the second pilot with the landing. According to BBC News, this act alone would have been enough to merit recognition, but it was his steadfast refusal to abandon his post that set him apart. He later reflected on the experience with characteristic humility, saying in 2008, "You don’t get involved in that kind of thing thinking of any decorations or any recognition. It was regarded as duty."
For his actions, Cruickshank was awarded the Victoria Cross on August 29, 1944. The medal was presented by King George VI, who praised him for his exemplary conduct in the face of overwhelming adversity. The citation highlighted his "determination, fortitude and devotion to duty," qualities that would become synonymous with his legacy.
After the war, Cruickshank did not return to operational flying. He left the RAF in 1946 and pursued a career in banking, quietly transitioning to civilian life—a path chosen by many veterans of his generation. Despite his fame, he rarely spoke about his wartime experiences, preferring to let his actions speak for themselves.
His later years were marked by quiet recognition and occasional public honors. In 2013, Cruickshank was given the chance to fly in an aircraft similar to the Catalina he had piloted during the war, a gesture that brought back memories of both camaraderie and loss. In 2024, as he turned 104, a Catalina flying boat was flown over his home in Aberdeen to mark the 80th anniversary of his Victoria Cross award—a fitting tribute to a life defined by service and sacrifice.
Cruickshank's family has announced that his funeral will be held in private, a decision that echoes his lifelong preference for modesty over fanfare. Yet, the impact of his deeds continues to resonate. The Victoria Cross itself remains a symbol of the highest ideals of military service, and Cruickshank's story is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage that ordinary individuals can display in the darkest of times.
The attack on the German U-boat remains one of the most celebrated episodes in RAF history. The crew's initial bombing run, hampered by technical failure, could have spelled disaster. Instead, Cruickshank's decision to turn the aircraft around and re-engage the enemy turned the tide of the battle. His refusal to seek immediate medical attention—and his determination to bring his crew home safely—embodied a spirit of resilience that has come to define the Allied effort during the Second World War.
For historians and veterans alike, the passing of John Cruickshank marks the end of an era. As the last living Second World War Victoria Cross recipient, he represented a direct connection to a generation whose sacrifices shaped the freedoms enjoyed today. The RAF, the Armed Forces, and the nation as a whole have paid tribute to his memory, ensuring that his story will not be forgotten.
Although Cruickshank's name may not be as widely recognized as some wartime leaders, his legacy endures in the values he embodied—courage, duty, and quiet determination. As Britain reflects on his life and service, there is a renewed appreciation for the men and women who, like him, answered the call in humanity's darkest hour and helped forge a more hopeful future.
With his passing, the world loses not just a hero, but a living testament to the extraordinary heights of bravery and selflessness that can emerge in times of war. The Victoria Cross may now belong to history, but John Cruickshank's example will continue to inspire generations yet to come.