Squadron Leader Andrew Hutton RIP

Kyt · Dec 26, 2008

Former RAF pilot Andrew Hutton dies - Lanark Today

FAMILY and friends have mourned the death of former RAF pilot Squadron Leader Andrew Hutton, aged 87.

Mr Hutton, originally from Kirkfieldbank, died peacefully in his sleep on November 28 in Aberdeen after a long illness.

His remarkable life included 35 years in the RAF and saw him shot down during WW2, become a prisoner of war and act as a negotiator with terrorists.

Proud son Jim (59) revealed that despite his father's immense bravery and colourful career he didn't discuss it much with his family.

He said: "Towards the end of his life we were able to get a little more out of him. He had letters from top organisations including the MOD but didn't even tell my mum.

"He always kept in touch with our relatives in Kirkfieldbank and Lanark. He had five brothers and two sisters so we have a large extended family.

"Several people have said he was a remarkable man but all he lived for was his family and his job.

"About five years ago me and my brothers unearthed a record of the raid when he was shot down, which gave details of the crew and what had happened to them.

"My dad thought the navigator had died as he and the rear gunner hooked up his parachute and threw him out of the burning plane.

"On checking it was confirmed that the navigator survived and returned to service. He hadn't realised he had saved his life."

Mr Hutton was a POW in Stalg Luft III, the camp made famous by movie blockbuster the 'Great Escape', and stayed there until the end of hostilities.

Towards the end of WW2 he and thousands of other POWs were marched first east then westward to avoid the advancing allies with food being gathered from frozen fields and hedgerows.

At the end of the war he returned to Kirkfieldbank, married Ruth, and worked at Meikle's chenille factory, but then rejoined the RAF.

In the early fifties he saw action in the Malayan Emergency.

After receiving his commission as an officer in 1957 Mr Hutton gave up flying to become an Air Traffic Controller.

While in Malta in November 1973 he acted as the initial negotiator with terrorists who had hijacked a KLM airliner.

Jim added: "When he heard the plane was hijacked he went out in his pyjamas and overcoat to negotiate with terrorists who had guns and knives.

"He then brought in specialist negotiators who managed to get everyone off the plane unharmed.

"The funny thing was he didn't think to tell me what had happened until three months later!

"He was an extraordinary man in extraordinary circumstances.

I dare say I will find out more of his exploits in the years to come."

Andrew Hutton leaves wife Ruth, two sons, four grandsons, three grand-daughters and a great-grand-daughter.
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Antipodean Andy · Dec 29, 2008

An interesting man indeed. RIP.

Antipodean Andy · Dec 29, 2008

RAF Lossie Tornadoes join in tribute to WW II flying ace - Press & Journal

A PAIR of RAF Tornado jets from 12 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth flew over Aberdeen Crematorium on Monday, to pay tribute to one of their own.

Squadron Leader Andrew Hutton served on the squadron during World War II and was shot down in a Wellington bomber in 1942.

He was then captured and served the rest of the war as a prisoner in the Stalag Luft III camp in Poland.

After returning from the war Mr Hutton married Ruth Smith, from Aberdeen, in 1946 and continued to serve in the RAF, being posted all over the world.

While stationed in Malta in 1973 Mr Hutton acted as the initial negotiator with terrorists who had hijacked a KLM airliner before handing over to specialist negotiators.

The passengers and crew were subsequently released without harm.

Mr Hutton, who lived with his wife in Balgownie Road in the city’s Bridge of Don, retired from the RAF in 1975 after 35 years of continuous service.

He then worked for Bristows Helicopters in Aberdeen, retiring in 1985.

Mr Hutton died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary last month after a long illness, and is survived by his wife Ruth, two sons, seven grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
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