TracesOfWar needs your help! Every euro, pound or dollar you contribute greatly supports the continuation of this website. Go to stiwot.nl and donate!

Rutherford, John

Service number:
122030
Nationality:
British (1801-present, Kingdom)

Biography

Captain Rutherford participated in the Battle of Arnhem, September 1944. He was taken prisoner here and spent the remainder of the war in Oflag 79.

John Rutherford made himself worthy as POW and afterwards. He was involved in, among other things, investigations into the death of Canadian prisoners of war John Decoine, Robert Consterdine, Joe Giguire, Steven Motkaluk, James Thomas and the Australian Joe Brydon. They stayed in the Ettringen area when they were liberated by the Americans - they were poisoned by methyl alcohol.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Captain
Unit:
16 Parachute Field Ambulance, 3rd Parachute Battalion, 1st Parachute Brigade, 1st Airborne Division, British Army
Awarded on:
December 23rd, 1943
Awarded for:
Operation Fustian
Citation:
"On July 13th 1943 this officer was jump-master in an aircraft of the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment when the Battalion was dropped in Sicily on operation Fustian. After flying through heavy anti-aircraft fire his aircraft dropped its stick close to the outer defences of Catania Aerodrome, and about 5000 yards from the Battalion objective. Without any hesitation he rallied his stick and led them without any delay to the objective. Throughout the battle which ensued on July 14th in the vicinity of the Primosole Bridge he displayed great courage in tending casualties. Twice when under heavy artillery fire he superintended the moving of the Regimental Aid Post and finally when a withdrawal became necessary he did not withdraw himself until all the wounded whom it was not possible to move had been placed in a safe place. His behaviour throughout was an inspiration to all."
Military Cross (MC)

Sources

Photo