20/10/2026
A Life of Service: Ted Rutland
In 1942, Ted Rutland answered the call to serve.
Following Army training at Warminster, he learned to drive tanks at Lulworth before continuing his training in Catterick. Two years later, serving with 148th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, Ted crossed the Channel and landed on Gold Beach six days after D-Day.
“I was just thinking about whether I’d be lucky enough to get back alive. I was just thinking that I needed to survive,”.
As a tank co-driver, Ted experienced the reality of the war through Caen and Falaise. He drove Churchill, Sherman and Cromwell tanks, while also serving as a gunner and loader when required. Looking back on those experiences, Ted remembered that despite the fear, the men simply had to keep going and do their jobs.
“I will never forget what I saw,”. “It was scary sometimes, but you didn’t bother about anything, you just had to keep going.”
That sense of service remained with Ted throughout his life. He later became a standard bearer for the Royal British Legion Mansfield branch and a dedicated Poppy Appeal fundraiser, personally raising more than £350,000.
His was a life characterised by service, remembrance, and dedication to others.
Ted was a much loved, and respected family member and friend to many and he will truly be missed.
Rest in peace Ted, from past and present members of the Regimental family.
FEAR NAUGHT.
