They made the Ultimate Sacrifice

SUTHERLAND, John Watt, AB, V12533, RCNVR, MPK - 29 Apr 1944, HMCS ATHABASKAN - Son of John James Sutherland and Margaret Emily Sutherland, of Edmonton, Alberta.

AB Watt died when his ship, HMCS ATHABASKAN, was torpedoed and sunk in the English Channel on 29 Apr 1944.

Able Seaman John Watt Sutherland R.C.N.V.R. Declared missing April 29, 1944, after the sinking of the Canadian destroyer Athabaskan, who has now been reported as presumed dead, according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Sutherland, 9781 102A Ave. A former student at McCauley school and the Jesuit College. John Sutherland enlisted here in 1940 served on the Pacific coast for many months and then was signed to the crew of the Athabaskan. A sister, Jean Sutherland, is serving in Ottawa with the C.W.A.C.

Ships served in:

EDMONTON DIVISION RCNVR - Enlisted 19 Dec 1940.  Commenced Active Service 30 Apr 1941 as an Ordinary Seaman, RCNVR

HMCS NADEN - Drafted to NADEN 13 Aug 1941

HMCS CRUSADER - Drafted to CRUSADER 04 Nov 1941

HMCS GIVENCHY - Drafted to GIVENCHY 10 Apr 1942

HMCS NADEN - Drafted to NADEN 23 Apr 1942

* Rated Able Seaman, RCNVR 30 Apr 1942

HMCS CORNWALLIS - Drafted to CORNWALLIS 12 Jul 1942

* Rated Layer Rating 3rd Class 04 Sep 1942

HMCS STADACONA - Drafted to STADACONA 10 Sep 1942

HMCS NIOBE - Drafted to NIOBE 28 Oct 1942

HMCS ATHABASKAN - Drafted to ATHABASKAN 04 Feb  1943

Documents from the Service File of John Sutherland