Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Lieutenant J. A. Rutherford, Royal Air Force, late 54th Battalion (Kootenay), Canadian Infantry, who served as Equipment Officer with 47 Squadron in Southern Russia in 1919

British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. J. A. Rutherford. R.A.F.) BWM with official corrections, good very fine (2) £180-£220

John Allan Rutherford was the son of a mining engineer, and was born in Spokane River, Washington, USA in April 1893. He was educated at Hillhead High School, Allan Glens School and the Royal Technical College, Glasgow, Scotland. Rutherford was subsequently employed as a Land Surveyor in British Columbia, Canada, and attested for the 54th Battalion (Kootenay), Canadian Infantry in August 1915. He advanced to Corporal, and applied for a British Army commission in March 1916.

Rutherford was commissioned in the Royal Horse Artillery in April 1916, and transferred to the Royal Flying Corps in August the following year. He was posted for pilot training to the Aerial Fighting School, Heliopolis, and suffered an injury from a flying accident during which he ‘stalled on turn and nosedived’ in December 1917. Rutherford was found ‘unfit for flying duties’ in April 1918, and was designated as an Equipment Officer. He served in the latter capacity with 47 Squadron in Southern Russia during the Russian Intervention in 1919. Rutherford was demobilised in June 1920, and awarded a wound gratuity.

Sold with copied research and service papers.