1 Wing - Marville France

441 Squadron


Larry Sutton, a former Air Cadet from Winnipeg, joined 441 Squadron in 1956. His would have been a routine 441 tour had it not been for a mission on March 24, 1958. That day Sutton was air fighting with other Sabres, when his oil pressure began to drop. He declared an emergency, requesting "pigeons" (bearing and distance) from USAF control to the nearest airport. Advice was slow to come, then RCAF "Yellowjack" control in Metz gave a course to Rhein Main. Meanwhile, Sutton had shut off all but essential electric power, but to no avail - his engine siezed and the controls froze.

Out of options, Sutton ejected at 15,000 feet. All went well as he decended in clear weather. Then he spotted high tension wites and the Main River. He escaped the wires, but plunked into the middle of the river. Once he surfaced and discarded his "chute", he swan ahore, not far from Kelsterbach. A helpful farm boy on the river bank took Sutton to his place, poured him a gognac, ran a hot bath, and got him some dry clothes. Eventually, a USAF helicopter ferried Sutton to Rhein Main, from where he returned to Marville in a T-33.


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Updated: September 29, 2004