A joiner by trade and native to Filey, John had played for Filey Town F.C. like many of the other casualties and was again part of the R.N.P.S.  He was stationed aboard the trawler Pelton whilst at sea and lived with his wife Eileen on Marriners Terrace when in Filey.

          The Pelton had recently been in the press as their Skipper, John Alexander Sutherland was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (D.S.C.) by King George VI the preceding July for gallantry whilst at sea.

          Although John’s body was never found after the Pelton was lost the circumstances surrounding the ship’s demise are well documented.  On 23^rd December 1940 2 or 3 E-Boats sailed swiftly into the area of Dover harbour and torpedoed many  of the trawlers docked there, including the Pelton.  E-Boats were the Axis forces fastest and most light weight sea craft; they were effective in causing relatively large amounts of damage in a short space of time although could not take much punishment themselves.  Again, John is remembered on Lowestoft Naval Memorial.