You Jump Between Two Warships to Save a Stranger - Would You?

A decorated naval aviator jumps between two moving warships to save a stranger-would you risk everything for one life?

You Jump Between Two Warships to Save a Stranger - Would You?

In this episode, we follow the life and decisions of Frederick Joseph Rutland, a Royal Naval aviator whose daring actions at sea and in the air shaped his career and complicated his loyalties. We trace key moments from his youth at sea to the missions and choices that defined him, and ask what it means to cross a line others will not.

Person: Frederick Joseph Rutland Date: 1 June 1916 / 31 May 1916 Location: At sea during the Battle of Jutland; HMS Engadine and HMS Warrior Event: Aerial reconnaissance flight of 41 minutes; rescue between two moving warships Award: Distinguished Service Cross; Albert Medal in Gold

- Born 21 October 1886, Rutland joined the Royal Navy in 1901 at age 14 and earned his aviator certificate in January 1915. - On 31 May 1916 he flew Short Type 184 (serial 8359) with observer Assistant Paymaster George Stanley Trewin and reported three cruisers and five destroyers. - A fuel line failure forced a sea landing; Rutland repaired the plane on the water and signaled readiness to resume, but Engadine’s radio failed to relay his reconnaissance. - For his actions at Jutland he received the Distinguished Service Cross and a subsequent Bar for anti-submarine patrols. - On 1 June 1916 he dove between two moving ships to rescue a sailor from the water and was awarded the Albert Medal in Gold.

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