VJ Day: 80th anniversary of end of Second World War
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
STV News
13 minutes ago
- STV News
Last surviving Second World War Victoria Cross recipient dies aged 105
Britain's last surviving Second World War Victoria Cross recipient has died aged 105. Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank, from Aberdeen, received the VC for bravery during an attack on an enemy submarine that left him seriously injured. A total of 181 people received Britain's highest military decoration for their actions during the war. The RAF captain's family told the BBC he died last week and that a funeral would be held in private, the news outlet reported on Saturday. PA Media John Cruickshank in uniform. Flt Lt Cruickshank was the captain of a Catalina flying boat with 210 Squadron, flying submarine-hunting missions from RAF Sullom Voe, in the Shetland Islands, Scotland. On July 17 1944, aged 24, he was sent on a patrol to protect the British Home Fleet as it returned from an attack on the German battleship Tirpitz. A U-boat was spotted on the surface near Norway and the aircraft he was captaining and piloting launched an offensive. The first bombs failed to release but Flt Lt Cruickshank turned the plane to face enemy fire and attack again. He dropped depth charges during the second attempt, sinking the U-boat. Flt Lt Cruickshank sustained 72 injuries including two to his lungs and 10 to his lower limbs during the assault. The navigator was killed, three other crew members were severely injured, and the badly damaged aircraft was filled with fumes from exploding shells. After the victory, Flt Lt Cruickshank left the cockpit but refused painkillers and continued to advise his second pilot who had taken control. The surviving crew members spent five and a half hours flying back to Sullom Voe. PA Media John Cruickshank beside a Eurofighter at RAF Fairford's International Air Tattoo Despite losing consciousness multiple times during their return, he assisted the second pilot with the landing which took an hour. In 2013, Flt Lt Cruickshank said: 'It was just normal, we were trained to do the job and that was it. 'I wouldn't like to say I'm the only one that has an amazing story, there are plenty of other stories coming from that time. 'It wasn't that wonderful in those days, I can tell you that. We could only think in those days there were better days to come.' After the war ended Flt Lt Cruickshank returned to his career in banking. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Western Telegraph
12 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Saundersfoot war veteran honoured by First Minister
Duncan Hilling, 99, from Saundersfoot, was honoured by First Minister Eluned Morgan during Wales' VJ Day commemorations with a letter recognising his service during the Second World War. Mr Hilling served in India, Japan and Malaya after joining the RAF in April 1944, later transferring to the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He was among the first British troops to enter Hiroshima and Nagasaki following the atomic bombings in August 1945. Mr Hilling said: "I went out to Japan and spent a year there, it was a fascinating country. "We arrived before any other troops, we went to Hiroshima and the horrors of the atomic bomb were still there, it was hideous. "We asked people what they remembered about the bomb, and they couldn't remember anything, just a flash. "To me it was horrible, my comrades, six of us, felt the same. "I don't think people can ever understand what it was like. "Let's hope to goodness it never happens again." He was one of 11 siblings, seven of whom also served during the war. All survived. He added: "I was absolutely amazed by the First Minister coming to see me and giving me a letter of thanks. "I think of all the boys who were in Japan with me, nearly all of them gone now as I am nearly 100." The tribute was presented as part of Wales' commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, which marks Victory over Japan and the end of the Second World War. VJ Day is observed on August 15 and honours those who served in the Asia-Pacific campaign. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "It is a privilege to personally thank Mr Hilling for his incredible service and sacrifice. "His experiences in Hiroshima and Nagasaki remind us of the true cost of war and the courage of those who served in Asia-Pacific. "On this 80th anniversary of VJ Day, we honour all veterans like Mr Hilling who helped secure the peace and freedom we enjoy today." Mr Hilling's story was one of many shared for this year's VJ Day events, which included commemorations across Wales to remember those who served and fell in the Far East.
Belfast Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Pro-IRA chanting at VJ Day commemoration ‘nothing short of disgraceful' says UUP councillor
Events were held across Northern Ireland on Friday to mark 80 years since the day Japan surrendered to Allied forces, bringing the Second World War to an end after six years in 1945.
