John Sutherland from Leeds was born on 31 January 1947. 

He enlisted as a recruit into The Parachute Regiment on 3 August 1965, aged 18, and was put into training platoon 296. He passed selection 3 January 1966. He then successfully passed parachute jump qualification on Course 633. This course ran between 17 January and 14 February 1966. John completed 2 jumps from a balloon, 3 from an Argosy and 3 from a Hastings aircraft.  His jump instructor described John as "Rather lazy, but good practically". 

John was then posted to 2 PARA. It is believed he spent some time with C Coy and saw service in the Radfan mountains, Aden and Bahrain.

John left the Army in 1968 and went back to his former career as a joiner. John sadly passed away 20 March 2026. Between 1966 and 1968 2 PARA served in Bahrain, Aden, Singapore, then in 1966 back to Bahrain and Aden, 1968 Hong Kong. It is very likely that John served in these areas, during his service with 2 PARA. His service records will give specific details. 

Information and imagery kindly supplied by Stephen Sutherland, son of John. With further research conducted by The Airborne Assault team.