Cruikshank VC
I had the privilege of meeting Cruickshank VC and John Appleton when they visited RAF Turnhouse in 1995. I managed to take John for a trip in a Bulldog during which we flew over East Fortune where John "convalesced" as a stores man while recovering from the wounds he received during the action. I remember John was quite a large man and we had difficulty getting his life jacket to fasten. He proudly showed me the scar on his head where shrapnel had cut through his helmet but not penetrated his skull! John told me they ran out of first aid dressings, so they cut open a life jacket and used the Kapok from it to plug Cruikshank's and other crew members wounds. Two real heroes, but quiet and unassuming gentlemen when you met them. It was good to see the pictures in which Cruikshank looks so well and is clearly able to enjoy flying. I hope I look that good if I reach my 90s!