Description
John Cruickshank’s attack on the U-Boat U-361 on the 17th July 1944 is one of the most famous actions of any Coastal Command Pilot.
Patrolling over the Norwegian sea in a Consolidated PBY Catalina from 210 Squadron, Cruickshank spotted a Type VIIc U-Boat – U-361 – on the surface and dived to attack. However at this point in the war U-boats had been fitted with anti-aircraft guns in an attempt to counter the aerial threat and the Catalina flew through a wall of heavy Flak.
His depth charges did not release making his first pass unsuccessful, but he came in for a second, knowing the U-boat crew would be waiting for him. Despite a hail of Flak that killed and wounded many of his crew – he was able to score a direct hit with his depth charges, sinking U-361.
Cruickshank himself had been hit in 72 places but, with his Co-Pilot at his side, managed to keep his aircraft aloft for the 5 1/2 hour trip home, refusing morphine as it would cloud his judgement.
For this action he was awarded the Victoria Cross.
THE SIGNATURE
The drawing is personally signed by the artist as well as a heroic Coastal Command Pilot featured in the drawing:
Flight Lieutenant JOHN ALEXANDER CRUICKSHANK VC
On July 17th, 1944, Cruickshank was pilot of a Coastal Command Catalina. After eight hours of patrolling, the aircraft spotted U-347 on the surface and attacked. Heavy flak from the U-Boat riddled the Catalina, with one shell exploding inside the aircraft killing the navigator and seriously injuring several crew. Cruickshank received severe wounds to his chest and legs but, giving no indication of his injury, he pressed home his attack, sinking U-347 with six depth charges. With his aircraft badly damaged, Cruickshank turned for home but his wounds were so great that he lapsed in and out of consciousness, barely able to nurse his aircraft home. After landing he was found to have a staggering total of 72 individual wounds.
This highly detailed original work is signed by one of the most iconic veterans of WWII, making it a historic collector’s piece.
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