Funeral of Brigadier Sutherland

Brigadier R B Sutherland was killed on 28 September, 1943, when a B25 Mitchell bomber in which he was travelling as a passenger, crashed prior to becoming airborne. The Soputa Cemetery was opened at the begining of 1943 and was the scene of some of the bitterest fighting in the Buna-Sanananda campaign. When this film was photographed it contained 740 Australians and in a separate plot, 64 natives. Brightly hued crotans line the rustic cemetery fence. Also identified: Inscription reads "R C N 165110 Pte C A Skimmings, 55/53 Australian Infantry Battalion, 7 December 1942". Jewish star marking grave of NX79953 Pte N Wolfson, 55/53 Australian Infantry Battalion, 7 December 1942. Lieutenant General Sir E F Herring KBE DSO MC ED speaking to Brigadier R L Sandover outside cemetery. Padre S Cowen (Deputy Assistant Chaplain General, Church of England) leads the funeral procession into the cemetery. MP stands to attention. Chief Mourner, Lieutenant General Herring, was accompanied by Major General A J Boase CBE, General Officer Commanding, 11th Australian Division.