Spitfire LA251 Lost with pilot 1946

[colinpateman]

Please can I seek some assistance.
I have been thwarted by a lack of Operational Record Book entries on 122 Squadron which became 41 Squadron in late March early April 1946.
On the 8 March 1946 Spitfire LA251 a MkF21 aircraft was flown by F/Lt SUTHERLAND DFC of 122 Squadron.
The aircraft failed to return and the pilot is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
In the absence of ORB records have been unable to locate any details upon the loss of Spitfire LA251.
I do feel the particular circumstances here are due to the Squadron events at amalgamation which has had significant ramifications on recording this history.
Kind regards and thank you.

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Colin

He was killed whilst flying in Spitfire F21, LA251 of No 122 Sqn, which dived into the sea over the Moray Firth following and engine failure, possibly as a result of the pilot attempting to abandon the aircraft. He was not wearing a life preserver or equipped with a dinghy.

Courtesy Colin Cummings

Malcolm

[colinpateman]

Clearly a sortie out over the sea in 1946 not wearing a life preserver or equipped with a dinghy appears rather unusual. It would be good to establish more information if possible where Colin got the detail from, your post much appreciated Malcolm.

[malcolm_raf]

Hi

I believe he used the Aircraft accident cards

Malcolm

[Keith Bryers]

Hi,

LA251 crashed in the sea 3 or 4 miles north of Lossiemouth whilst nr. 3 in a formation of four aircraft. The engine cut at 4,000 ft and the a/c dived into the sea from 700 ft. Nothing was found by searching Warwicks, Mustangs or an HSL. Sources: Wick ORB (AIR 28/916), Form 1180 via Peter Moran.

Keith

[colinpateman]

Keith.
Thank you kindly a sad demise for this pilot, flying over the sea with no dinghy or preserver does not make much sense but it looks like he was still in the cockpit. He would have been better jumping....