'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the operations about Haplincourt on 2nd September 1918, when the No. 1 of the Lewis gun Section of which Private Sutherland was No. 2, was killed, he, disregarding his personal safety, immediately took command and kept the gun in action, completing the disorganising of the enemy machine gun crews and maintaining the flank whilst the platoon on the right continued their advance. He then proceeded to reorganise the remainder of his section, rushed his gun to a more advanced position, and covered the further advance of his platoon. His courage and initiative and devotion to duty were a splendid example to all the men under him.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 11 February 1919