He joined the RAAF and went to Canada to train under the Empire Air Training Scheme. Prior to being deployed to England he managed to meet his Uncle (on his mothers side) who was an engineer in the Merchant Navy. His mother had left Liverpool prior to WWI and had not returned to England before she died.

Sgt Douglas Robert Rutherford was killed on his 1st mission flying from RAF North Coates. (read more)

Update June 2014: Doug McElroy, nephew of Douglas kindly sent in some more information on Douglas and his crews mission in 1942. Thanks Doug, for taking the time to get in touch. Much appreciated. (follow link above to view).