Captain John Rutherford
Unit : 16 Parachute Field Ambulance, attached to 3rd Parachute Battalion
Army No. : 122030
Awards : Military Cross
Captain Rutherford was the Medical Officer of the 3rd Parachute Battalion.
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.
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.
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