Born in Waimate on 7 August 1920, Ross St Clair Sutherland was employed as a Stock clerk prior to WW2. He was 20 years old when he enlisted with the NZ Scottish Regiment in 1940 but did not leave New Zealand until circa November-December 1942 – sailing on the Aquitania with the 8th Reinforcements (embarkation Unit No 89 C. Coy – 2 T.U. M.G. – see photo taken Hataitai on 29 November 1942, and crossed equator on 28 December 1942. Ross began his overseas service in North Africa / Tunisia before proceeding to Italy. His medals include 1939-45, Africa and Italy Campaign Stars, British War Medal and NZ War Service Medal. When he was discharged on 18 December 1945 Ross had served for a total of 2 years and 289 days.