SLdr Ronald Arthur Sutherland, 602 Squadron

[keith A]

Max Sutherland is mentioned in many books and memoirs, almost always in 602 Squadron but the RAF Lists indicate he was a pre-war airman, and had risen to Flight Lieutenant by 1941. He may have served in either 132 or 222 Squadrons, and several other units in the period 1940-43 but details are scarce. Can anyone tell me more about his service?

regards

Keith

[Chris Goss]

He was one of 6 pilots posted to 222 from 122 between 12 & 15 May 43, he arriving 15 May & was posted to 602 21 July 43

[JohnE]

I have the R.A Sutherland with 122 & 222 Squadron as Canadian (J/15101).

John

[Chris Goss]

222 diary says R A Sutherland (Max)

[keith A]

He was with 132 squadron on 18 October 1943 according to IWM combat film.

In June 1942 he was a student of the RAeS ut I am not sure what that means. It could be he was studying aeronautical engineering which might mean his non-appearance in combat units was due to him following a test-pilot path?

I am sure I read somewhere that he was with 122 or 22 but can't remember where...but it was in 1943.

According to Pierre Clostermann he was an ex-public schoolboy, amateur heavyweight boxing champion and London policeman...

Given he was in the RAF in August 1938 he must have been a very young policeman before becoming an RAF officer.

regards

Keith

[Chris Goss]

I am referring to the unofficial 222 Sqn diary which lists all pilots who served in the Sqn & when so am confident with the dates

[keith A]

Cheers Chris. There's quite a bit of cross-fertilization between 132 and 602 squadrons as sister units in 125 Wing in 1943. Ken Charney was a flight commander in 132 as you know.

regards

Keith

[keith A]

Still searching for details of Ronald Arthur "Max" Sutherland RAF 41079. There was a Sergeant RA Sutherland in 132 squadron but he was despatched to the Middle East in January 1943. "Max" appears in the 122 Squadron ORB on 25 March 1943 (not before) as a supernumery Flight Lieutenant. I am leaning towards him being in Coastal Command or Bomber Command in the early years of the war. That would fit with him converting to Spitfires in 1942/43. If 602 squadron was his seventh squadron that would also fit with experience elsewhere in another command. His service as a PO (SSC 1938), FO(1940) and then Flight Lieutenant from 1941 but not identfied as a flight commander until he joins 602 Squadron in July 1943. After two periods leading 602 Squadron his post-war career fizzled out when he was advised that promotion beyond squadron commander was not on the cards. The last event I have him identified is when he "volunteers" his jet squadron for the Korean War. Apparently this was not well received by his pilots.

K

[keith A]

https://www.14sqn-association.org.uk...Issue%2013.pdf

[Tom Semenza]

Keith,

According to the ORB of 242 Sqn., F/L Sutherland was posted in during April 1942 and posted out to 243 Sqn. on 22 June 42. On that date the 243 Sqn. ORB says: "F/L Sutherland expected today, but find that he is on a course until 27.6.42." Unfortunately I find no further mention of him thereafter.

Regards,
Tom