Bidspirit auction | 1986 Benham BLCS17 RAF FDC

1986 Benham BLCS17 RAF FDC with Full Set Stamps Signed JOHN CRUICKSHANK VC. John Alexander Cruickshank, VC, AE (20 May 1920 - 9 August 2025) was a Scottish banker, Royal Air Force officer, and a Second World War recipient of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Cruickshank was awarded the VC for sinking a German U-boat and then, despite serious injuries, safely landing his aircraft. Before his death, he was the last living recipient to have been awarded the VC during the Second World War. The Mission: On 17 July 1944, he captained a 10-man RAF Catalina flying boat from No. 210 Squadron on an anti-submarine patrol near the Arctic Circle. The Attack: He spotted a surfaced German U-boat (U-361) and led an attack through intense anti-aircraft fire. When his depth charges failed to release on the first pass, he bravely turned around for a second pass. The Injuries: His plane was repeatedly hit by heavy fire. Cruickshank was struck in 72 places, suffering severe lung and lower limb wounds, while his navigator was killed and other crew members were hurt. The Sinking: Despite his grave condition, he released the depth charges himself and sank the U-boat. The Return: Refusing morphine and drifting in and out of consciousness during a five-and-a-half-hour return flight, he later insisted on sitting in the co-pilot seat to help safely land the damaged aircraft on the water. Good condition. Part of Single Vendor collection. We combine postage on multiple winning lots and can ship worldwide.