BX December 5, 1917
Lieutenant J.L. Sutherland Badly Injured – In Accident to His Machine in an Advanced Squadron
That Flight Lieutenant John Logan Sutherland had been seriously injured in an accident to his machine, was the word received today by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Sutherland, of this city, from the commander of the advance squadron of which he was a member.
Lieutenant Sutherland left Brantford with the 215th Battalion, and on arrival in England transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He had passed through two training squadrons, and was a member, according to the last word received, of the most advanced training squadron, expecting to leave shortly for France. Then the news came today that he had been seriously injured in an accident to his machine. The commander reported that he would further advise within 24 hours.
BX December 27, 1917
Details to Hand of Bad Accident – How Flight. Lieut. Sutherland Received his Serious Injuries
Mr. J.L. Sutherland today received a letter describing the accident in which his son, Lieutenant John Logan Sutherland, some three weeks ago received very serious injuries. Lieut. Sutherland was invited by an instructor pilot, David Roderick Eccles to accompany him in a flight in one of the latest Bristol scout flyers. The machine had only ascended 100 feet when it suddenly nose dived crashing to earth on the Cotswolds. The pilot expired a few hours later while Lieut. Sutherland sustained a fracture of the skull and had both legs broken, one limb being broken in two places. From previous reports received it is thought that the Brantford officer was unconscious for about ten days, but all reports, greatly to the relief of his parents and friends have indicated persistent, if slow, progress towards recovery, as the accident happened over three weeks ago. It is now believed that Lieut. Sutherland is on a fair way to recovery.
The following note was made by an English paper:
“On Wednesday morning a serious accident occurred on the Cotswolds in which two Canadian R.F.C. officers were involved. It appears on ascent being made by Second-Lieut. David Roderick Eccles pilot with Second-Lieut. Sutherland, of the same corps, as passenger, no great height had been attained when the machine stalled and nose-dived, and both the officers were very severely injured. Conveyed to Cirencester Hospital, Second-Lieut. Eccles expired the same afternoon, and Second-Lieut. Sutherland lies in a very critical condition.”
BX February 1, 1918
Out of Danger
Many friends will be glad to learn that the condition of Lieutenant John Logan Sutherland, who was seriously injured in an airplane wreck in December, is reported now in news recently received from England as very much improved. Lieut. Sutherland, who was unconscious for some time, is said to be practically out of danger.