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