Victoria Cross : Sergeant W Ruthven, 22 Battalion, AIF

Victoria Cross. Engraved reverse suspender with recipient's details; reverse cross with date of action.

William ‘Rusty’ Ruthven was born at Collingwood, Melbourne on 21 May 1893. He was a mechanic in the timber industry before enlisting in April 1915. After serving on Gallipoli he went to France, where he was wounded in April 1916.
During an attack near Ville-sur-Ancre in May 1918, Ruthven performed outstanding acts of bravery. He took command of a company after the officer commanding was wounded, and personally assaulted enemy strongpoints. Throughout the successful action, he led by example, inspiring and encouraging his men. During the mopping-up and consolidation, he captured 32 Germans. For his actions he was awarded the Victoria Cross. The recommendation for the award reads:

'For the most conspicuous bravery and daring in action during the attack at VILLE-SUR-ANCRE on 19.5.18.
During the advance his company suffered numerous casualties, and his Company Commander was severely wounded.
RUTHVEN then assumed command of this portion of the assault, took charge of the Company Headquarters, and rallied the sections in his vicinity.
As the leading wave approached its objective it was subjected to heavy fire from an enemy M.G. at 30 to 40 yds. directly in front.
This N.C.O. without hesitation at once sprang out, threw a bomb which landed beside the post, and immediately rushed the position, bayoneting one of the crew and capturing the gun. He then encountered some of the enemy coming out of a shelter. He wounded two, captured 6 others in the same position, and handed them over to an escort from the leading wave, which had now reached the objective.
Sgt. RUTHVEN them re-organised our men in his vicinity, and established a post in the second objective. Enemy movement then was seen in a sunken road about 150 yds. distant. Without hesitation, and armed only with a revolver, he went over the open alone and rushed the position, shooting two Germans who refused to come out of their Dugout.
He then single-handed mopped up this post and captured the whole of the garrison, amounting in all to 32, and kept them until assistance arrived to escort them back to our lines.
During the remainder of the day he set a splendid example of leadership, moving up and down his position under fire supervising consolidation and encouraging his men.
Throughout the whole operation he showed the most magnificent courage and determination, inspiring everyone by his fine fighting spirit, his remarkable courage, and his dashing action.'
Ruthven was commissioned a second lieutenant in July 1918 and discharged in December. He became a soldier-settler for a while, but returned to Collingwood and became a local councillor. During the Second World War he served in garrison battalions, reaching the rank of major. From 1945 to 1961 he was a member of the Victorian parliament. Ruthven died on 12 January 1970.