Robert Francis Ruttledge facts for kids

Robert "Robin" Francis Ruttledge (born September 11, 1899 – died January 13, 2002) was an Irish expert on birds, also known as "The Major." He was also a soldier. He is famous for spending sixty years studying and helping to protect birds in Ireland. He received the Military Cross for his bravery.

About Robert Ruttledge

Robert Francis Ruttledge was born on September 11, 1899, in Erin Dale, County Carlow, Ireland. He was the oldest son of Thomas Henry Bruen Ruttledge and Mary Caroline. Robert grew up in County Mayo at his family's home, Bloomfield House. He went to Marlborough College and later a military college in India. In 1928, Robert Ruttledge married Mabel Rose. They had two daughters together.

His Time in the Army

Robert Ruttledge served in the British Indian Army. He was part of the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse from 1918 to 1921. After this group joined with another, he served with the 7th Poona Horse from 1921 to 1939.

Bravery in Battle

He fought in the Waziristan campaign in 1919. For his courage, he was given the Military Cross. This award is for showing great bravery in battle.

His award citation said that on November 21, 1919, he showed amazing courage. During a fight, his group was told to retreat. Lieutenant Ruttledge saw three soldiers struggling to carry a wounded man. He knew this would slow down their retreat. So, he bravely rode back under heavy gunfire. He picked up the wounded man on his horse and carried him to safety.

Later Army Service

He also served with the Poona Horse during operations on the North West Frontier from 1930 to 1931. From 1934 to 1939, he was in charge of the bodyguard for the Governor of Madras. In April 1939, he became a Major. He was called back to the Poona Horse in September 1939 when World War II started. However, he had to leave the service due to illness before he could return to active duty.

His Work with Birds

Robert Ruttledge is seen as one of the most important people in Irish Ornithology, which is the study of birds. He played a big part in watching birds and setting up safe places for them. Both Robert and his brother William loved nature. He wrote his first paper about birds at age sixteen. Over his lifetime, he published more than 200 papers about birds.

Protecting Birds

Ruttledge was very important in showing that the number of Greater white-fronted goose birds was dropping in Ireland. Because of his work, these birds were protected in Ireland. He also helped create bird sanctuaries on Saltee Islands and Cape Clear Island. These are special places where birds can live safely.

Bird Reports and Awards

In 1953, Ruttledge started the Irish Bird Report, which is now called Irish Birds. He edited this report for 19 years. In 1961, he received the Bernard Tucker Medal from the British Trust for Ornithology. He also received an honorary doctorate from Trinity College, Dublin, in 1981. Robert Ruttledge was the first president of the Irish Wildbird Conservancy, which is now BirdWatch Ireland. The Greater white-fronted goose is the symbol of this organization.

Books He Wrote

• Kennedy, P.J., Ruttledge, Robert F., and Scroope, C. F. (1954) The Birds of Ireland
• Ruttledge, Robert F. (1966) Ireland's birds: their distribution and migrations
• Cabot, David and Ruttledge, Robert F. (1966) Project Mar: a provisional list of Irish wetlands of international importance, submitted to the second European meeting on wildfowl conservation, Holland, May 1966
• Cabot, David and Ruttledge, Robert F. Liquid assets: list of wildfowl wetlands in the Republic of Ireland of national and international importance
• Ruttledge, Robert F. (1975) A list of the birds of Ireland