BBC Breakfast host pays tribute to 'icon' as he announces sad death news

A BBC Breakfast host paid tribute to an "icon" as he announced sad death news on Sunday (August 17).

During today's instalment of the BBC morning programme, hosts Ben Boulos and Luxmy Gopal updated viewers on the latest news from across the UK and around the world.

They were joined in the studio by Helen Willetts, who delivered regular weather forecasts, while Hugh Ferris presented the sports segment.

Elsewhere in the show, Ben announced the death of Britain's last surviving World War Two Victoria Cross recipient, John Cruickshank.

"Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank earned the honour for an attack on a German U-Boat while piloting a Catalina flying boat in June 1944," Ben said.

The 105-year-old from Aberdeen was the last to die of 181 people who received the country's highest military honour for their actions in the conflict.

A special report by BBC reporter Katie Hunter was then played, which explored John's efforts throughout the Second World War.

"When Flight Lieutenant John Cruickshank was awarded the Victoria Cross, he was praised for his determination, fortitude and devotion to duty," Katie explained.

"In 1944, Flight Lieutenant Cruickshank was the captain of a Catalina flying boat. While engaging a German U-boat over the Norweigan sea, he suffered 72 injuries. Despite that, he and his crew destroyed the submarine. His navigator, John Dixon, was killed."

She continued: "John Cruickshank was a private man. In a 2008 interview with the BBC, he played down his actions."

John said in the pre-recorded clip: "You don't get involved in that kind of thing thinking of any decorations or any recognition of any type. It was regarded as duty."

Last year, a Catalina plane flew over John's home to mark 80 years since he was awarded the Victoria Cross. He marked the anniversary in private.

John's friend of 30 years, former RAF group captain John Kemp, said: "He was a very stoic aviator. A great RAF icon... He was an amazing character. Very quiet, a private person, but [he had an] excellent, terrific sense of humour. Great character."

Katie concluded: "A modest man, a military man. A man whose actions are etched in history."

John's family said he died last week and a funeral would be held in private.

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am