72 Sqn Pilots 1942

[Chris Goss]

Does anyone have the Christian names or any details on the following:

Sgt J Gardiner
Plt Off J Rutherford

[Frank Olynyk]

Chris,

I don't have his full name either, but J Rutherford was a Sgt on Aug 27, 1941, and was a P/O for his claims in Feb and March 1942. All with 72 Sqn. So maybe there is info on his promotion in the London Gazette?

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Col Bruggy]

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.

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Col. I noticed his death on another site but made no connection