THE PRO PATRIA PROJECT

SCUTTER James Edward

J84855, Group Captain, Royal New Zealand Air Force

CITATION

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

New Year Honours List 1992

Group Captain Scutter joined the RNZAF in 1974 as a Chaplain with the relative rank of Flight Lieutenant.  He served as Base Chaplain  at RNZAF Base Wigram until 1976, then as Base Chaplain at RNZAF Base Woodbourne until 1979 when he was posted as the Co-ordinating Chaplain, HQ NZ Defence Forces , SE Asia.  Upon his return to New Zealand in 1981, Gp Capt Scutter was posted to RNZAF Base Wigram as Base Chaplain and appointed Principal Chaplain for the Air Force.  In 1984 Gp Capt Scutter was appointed the Principal Defence Chaplain in HQ New Zealand Defence Force, a position he held until his retirement in March 1991. Gp Capt Scutter was appointed Queen’s Honorary Chaplain in June 1984.  During his career Gp Capt Scutter gained the respect and confidence of all personnel he dealt with.  He was an approachable councellor whose confidence could be trusted.  He was a Chaplain of great integrity who never disguised the truth.  His wise counsel was constantly sought, especially during the unsettling period caused by the recent changes in the direction of Defence policy and the subsequent restructuring of Defence.  Gp Capt Scutter was unwavering in the proclaiming of the gospel, presenting a point of view that may not necessarily have been taken into account.  His concern for the impact of these changes upon the ordinary serviceman gave personnel a voice that otherwise may not have been heard.  In recent years Gp Capt Scutter has given skilful leadership to Defence Chaplaincy over a period of significant change.  He has initiated many positive changes to the condition of service for Chaplains.  He has been instrumental in maintain a healthy dialogue between the churches and Defence over a period of changing attitudes and polarising of views on matters of Defence and the Armed Forces.  Gp Capt Scutter has provided an excellent example of steadfast loyalty through his faith to the RNZAF and he Ne Zealand Defence Force.

KNOWN AWARDS

Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire

New Zealand Armed Forces Award

New Zealand Defence Service Medal

    Regular

NOTES

Born 13 March 1936 Crowthorne, Berkshire, England

Died 26 June 2018 Havelock North, New Zealand

Buried 2 July 2018 Havelock North, New Zealand