American History Hit Pearl Harbor: The Man Who Spied For Japan
Dec 5, 2024
Ronald Drabkin, author of 'Beverly Hills Spy,' delves into the enigmatic life of Frederick Rutland, a British spy whose intelligence work aided Japan during World War II. They discuss Rutland's Hollywood connections and the deception that allowed him to operate undetected. The conversation reveals missed warnings leading up to Pearl Harbor and the broader failures of intelligence services at the time. Drabkin also touches on the tragic legacy of espionage and how betrayal shaped history in the lead-up to the infamous attack.
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First Aerial Reconnaissance
- Frederick Rutland, a pilot in WWI, flew a reconnaissance mission over the German fleet at the Battle of Jutland.
- This marked the first time aircraft were used for such a purpose, foreshadowing their future impact on naval warfare.
Carrier Design
- Rutland's experience at Jutland highlighted the need for flat deck aircraft carriers.
- He contributed significantly to their design, focusing on takeoff and landing procedures to minimize crashes.
Rutland Joins Japanese Navy
- Facing limited career prospects in the post-war Royal Air Force, Rutland resigned.
- He then volunteered to work for the Japanese Navy, likely motivated by his social class and lack of advancement opportunities.
