Robert Francis Ruttledge

Robert "Robin" Francis Ruttledge MC (11 September 1899 – 13 January 2002) was an Irish ornithologist and soldier also known as "The Major", who is best remembered for his work in the systematic recording and conservation of Irish birds over a period of sixty years. Life Robert Francis Ruttledge was born in Erin Dale, Mortarstown Upper, County Carlow on 11 September 1899. He was the eldest son of Thomas Henry Bruen Ruttledge and his second wife Mary Caroline (née Browne-Clayton). Ruttledge grew up in County Mayo, at the family home of Bloomfield House. He attended Marlborough College and later the Quetta cadet college, India. Ruttledge married Mabel Rose (née Burke) in 1928, with whom he had two daughters. Military career Ruttledge served in the British Indian Army with the regiment 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse from 1918 to 1921, and following that regiment's amalgamation with the 33rd Queen Victoria's Own Light Cavalry to form the 7th Poona Horse, with them from 1921 to 1939. He served during the 1919 Waziristan campaign, and was awarded the Military Cross. His citation was: Lt. Robert Francis Ruttledge; 34th Poona Horse, attd. 21st Cav., F.F. For gallantry and devotion on 21 November 1919, between Jatta and Murtaza Posts, when, after a brisk engagement, the troops under the command of Captain Byrne were ordered to retire. Lieutenant Ruttledge, observing that three dismounted men were in difficulty getting a wounded man away, and realising that the retirement would be delayed, galloped back in face of heavy fire, took the wounded man on his horse, and carried him to a place of safety.