Frederick Joseph Rutland
Squadron Leader Frederick Joseph Rutland, D.S.C.*, A.M., (21 October, 1886 – 28 January, 1949) served in the Royal Navy. His flying exploits at the Battle of Jutland would earn him the sobriquet, "Rutland of Jutland".
Life & Career
Rutland rose from the lower deck, being made Acting Mate on 7 July, 1913.[1]
Rutland was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 7 January, 1916.[2]
Rutland's historic but limited role in aerial scouting of the enemy at Jutland assured him that his name would be remembered, but on 1 June he gamely jumped into the sea to save a wounded sailor from H.M.S. Warrior who had fallen between the two ships. He was awarded the Albert Medal for this lifesaving work.[3]
Rutland moved from Engadine to Manxman as Senior Flight Officer on 3 November 1916. He was promoted to Flight Commander on 31 December, 1916. On 29 April 1917 he was picked up by fishermen off the Danish coast near Thisted. He left Copenhagen for Bergen on 2 May 1917 and presently found his way back to Britain. He was promoted to Squadron Commander on 30 June, 1917.[4]
On 22 July 1917 he left Manxman for Special Service with the Air Department. Almost immediately, however, he was appointed to Nairana and then to Furious as Senior [illeg] Officer on 21 August, 1917. The Admiralty would convey its appreciation in October 1917 for his work in connection with experimental flights from the platforms atop the turrets of H.M.S. Repulse.[5]
Rutland was granted a permanent commission in the Royal Air Force on 1 August, 1919.[6]
World War II
Rutland's heroic aura in Britain was diminished considerably by his work on behalf of Japan in the years leading up to the Second World War. His involvement was so great that he was interned in Britain in 1941, though it was never demonstrated that his actions were illegal.
Rutland committed suicide in 1949.
See Also
| Naval Appointments | ||
| Preceded by ? |
Captain of H.M.S. Manxman 3 Nov, 1916[7][8] – 22 Jul, 1917[9] |
Succeeded by Charles G. Robinson |
Footnotes
- ↑ Rutland Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/154/18. f. 18.
- ↑ Rutland Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/154/18. f. 18.
- ↑ Rutland Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/154/18. f. 18.
- ↑ Rutland Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/154/18. f. 18.
- ↑ Rutland Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/154/18. f. 18.
- ↑ Rutland Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/154/18. f. 18.
- ↑ Rutland Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/154/18. f. 18.
- ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1916). p. 401q.
- ↑ Rutland Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/154/18. f. 18.
