Flypast honour for RAF Victoria Cross hero aged 104

John Cruickshank earned the honour for his actions in WW2

A flypast has honoured the bravery of Britain's last surviving Victoria Cross holder for air action in World War Two, who is now aged 104.

Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank earned the honour aged 24 for an attack on a German U-boat while piloting a Catalina flying boat.

Despite being badly injured, the pilot and his crew managed to sink the submarine.

A Catalina flew over where he lives in Aberdeen, marking 80 years since he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

It is the highest recognition for valour that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth Armed Forces.

John Cruickshank earned the Victoria Cross aged 24

The attack happened on 17 July 1944. The crew was protecting British vessels from German U-boats in the Norwegian Sea when they spotted a vessel ahead of them.

They immediately went on the offensive, and began a bombing run through heavy gun fire. However, their bombs did not release.

Despite having now lost the element of surprise, Flt Lt Cruickshank turned the aircraft around and attacked once again.

A Catalina flying boat sank the German submarine

This time he released the bombs himself, and successfully destroyed the submarine.

His navigator John Dickson was killed and his co-pilot seriously injured in the bombing run.

Flt Lt Cruickshank was also hurt but refused medical attention as he managed to get the aircraft back to base at Sullom Voe in Shetland.

He suffered 72 injuries, including serious wounds to his lungs and lower limbs.

The Catalina flypast in Aberdeen

Flt Lt Cruickshank never returned to operational flying, leaving the RAF in 1946, and resuming a career in banking - rarely speaking of his experiences to anyone.

He previously said of his honour: "I hold this in trust for all those who flew with the command during the war.

"And of course I also keep in mind all the members of my crew at that time who so magnificently carried out their duties."

He added: "You don't get involved in that kind of thing thinking of any decorations or any recognition. It was regarded as duty."

Jeff Boyling piloted the Catalina flypast

That bravery was remembered with the commemorative flypast, piloted by Jeff Boyling, which then traveled on to Shetland.

Wreaths were laid in Lerwick for navigator John Dickson and for Canadian David Hornell, another VC recipient who was killed in action.