James Field's Rutland at Jutland 1916

A painting by my late father, James Field. He was an artist and illustrator with a passion for history. Below is the accompanying text he wrote at the time:

Winner 2016 Cross and Cockade International 'Best World War One Aviation Painting in Show’ at the Guild of Aviation Artists Annual Exhibition held at the Mall Galleries ,London.

Flying in Short 184 8359 Lieutenant F. J. Rutland with Assistant Paymaster G. S. Trewin make the first airplane reconnaissance of an enemy fleet during the opening sequences of the Battle of Jutland. The initial report was the sighting of three German cruisers and five destroyers. After a few more reports were made a ruptured fuel line caused a forced landing on the sea where Rutland was able to make repairs. However, due to the heavy swell he was ordered to taxi back to their mother ship the seaplane carrier H.M.S.Engadine. During the flight they had been subjected to heavy anti-aircraft fire. For this action Rutland was awarded his first Distinguished Service Cross, he was to receive a second the following year.

Original Painting Info:
MEDIUM: Acrylic on canvas board
SIZE: 610x460mm (24x18ins)