Hello,
AUS402254 John RUTHERFORD RAAF - Posted to 72 Sqn 09/06/1941. Commissioned 08/12/1941. Repatriated to Australia 26/03/1942 - to No.76 Sqn RAAF, died, non-flying accident (Misadventure*), Port Hedland, Western Australia 14/02/1943.
*
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47364947
http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/Searc...r />
B=5259640
Sgt John Rutherford RAAF, had cause to bale out of No.72 Squadron Spitfire Vb P8609 "HEART OF ENGLAND II", after claiming a damaged Bf 109, in the St. Omer area, on 27 August, 1941 - he became a member of the "Caterpillar Club". Rutherford was able to nurse his damaged aircraft to within a few miles from the English coast, baled out safely, and swam to shore. John Rutherford was an "Old Boy", of King's School, Sydney.
Seemingly, a contented individual, with a lot to live for:
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247900703
Col.