Please can anyone share any infomation they might have about John A Cruickshank. I believe he was born in 1917 in Canada and enlisted in RCAF and was posted first to Ferry Command and then to Bomber Command, squadron no.433. I understand that he was a navigator. Many thanks in advance, Jo
Please can anyone share any infomation they might have about John A Cruickshank. I believe he was born in 1917 in Canada and enlisted in RCAF and was posted first to Ferry Command and then to Bomber Command, squadron no.433. I understand that he was a navigator. Many thanks in advance, Jo
Hello Joanna,
From the Honours and Awards databases of Hugh A. Halliday:
CRUICKSHANK, F/L John Alexander (J12986) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.433 Squadron - Award effective 1 September 1944 as per London Gazette dated 15 September 1944 and AFRO 2373/44 dated 3 November 1944. Born 3 July 1917. Home in Toronto; enlisted London, Ontario, 20 June 1941. To No.1 Manning Depot, 28 August 1941. To No.4 BGS (guard), 13 September 1941. To No.1 ITS, 10 November 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 2 January 1942 when posted to No.1 Manning Depot again; to No.2 AOS, 15 January 1942; to No.3 AOS, 19 January 1942; graduated 25 April 1942 when posted to No.2 BGS; graduated 6 June 1942 when posted to No.1 ANS; graduated and commissioned, 20 July 1942. To RAF Ferry Command, 6 August 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 30 January 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 17 November 1943. Promoted Squadron Leader, date uncertain. Further information on postings, repatriation and release uncertain. Award sent by registered mail 13 November 1948. No citation other than \"completed...many successful operations during which [he has] displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty.\" DHist file 181.009 D.2909 (RG.24 Vol.20633) has recommendation dated 29 May 1944 when he had flown 27 1/2 sorties (171 hours 55 minutes), 23 October 1942 to 22 April 1944 (no sorties for period 29 March to 26 August 1944). Squadron Bombing Leader.
This officer has now completed 27 1/2 sorties for a total of 107 points over enemy territory, including such heavily defended areas as Berlin (2), Dusseldorf, and Lorient (4), and four daylight sorties.
Flight Lieutenant Cruickshank has displayed outstanding ability and a strong sense of duty and holds a fine record of achievement on the squadron. He has acted as Bombing Leader with the squadron since its inception and by his high degree of skill, courage and initiative has proven an inspiration to all personnel. He has handled his section in a most outstanding manner and by his example [of] cheerful courage has maintained a very high standard of morale, not only among his section members, but in the squadron in general.
Many thanks for this extract. I have tracked this down online too and found that he was awared the DFC. I wondered if anyone knew of him via personal connection. For example, does anyone know the crew he flew with and also I wanted to corroborate that he was a Navigator- I see he trained in Canada at the Navigation School but didnt know more than that. I am looking for a John A Cruickshank who was definitely a Canadian Navigator born around 1917 as he is named as my late Dad's putative father when he was adopted in the UK in 1943. The mother being a Canadian Nurse with the Army Medical Corps. This John A Cruickshank seems to be the only record available online that appears to meet the criteria listed on the adoption application and hence I was trying to find out about him to see if it is possible to confirm that he is who is named on the application to understand a little more of my history. Many Thanks again for your response.
Given that no obituary seems to be online for him, two things have happened. He either passed away long ago or is still with us. He was definitely a navigator. Besides the "No. 1 Air Navigation School" (Rivers, Manitoba) you also have a posting to "No. 3 Air Observer School" (Regina, Saskatchewan).
His RCAF service file is held by the Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa. You have his date of birth and RCAF service number. You might wish to try writing them as they may have proof of his death on file and would then be able to give you the information you seek:
Many thanks for that clarification and suggestions. Extremely helpful. One further question I suspect you would be able to answer- what does the J in his service number represent? I notice the letter J or R is used. Gratefully, Jo.
Brilliant. Thankyou so much for all the help. I have a much better understanding now. I have tried to do a lot online but never been able to work that out myself. Many thanks.
My name is George Alexander Lewis Cruickshank and I live in London Ontario Canada. I just came across this website by accident and decided to reply to your inquiry. I am not sure how to contact you or if you will in fact see this post. John Alexander Cruickshank (Jack to the family) was my first cousin and indeed did serve with 433 Squadron as well as a couple of other squadrons. However he was a bomb aimer not a navigator (I believe). I would love to be in contact with you directly if that is possible for I am intrigued.
