Major William (Rusty) Ruthven

Service number 1946, 1914
Ranks Held Lieutenant, Private, Second Lieutenant, Sergeant
Birth Date 21/05/1893
Birth Place Australia: Victoria, Melbourne, Collingwood
Death Date 12/01/1970
Death Place Australia: Victoria, Melbourne, Heidelberg
Final Rank Major
Service Australian Imperial Force
Unit 22nd Australian Infantry Battalion
Places
Conflicts/Operations
  • First World War, 1914-1918
  • First World War, 1914-1918
Description

William "Rusty" Ruthven was born at Collingwood, Melbourne, and 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 on 19 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.

Ruthven was commissioned 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 received the Victoria Cross, service medals for the First and Second World Wars and coronation medals for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.

Rolls

Timeline

Date of birth 21/05/1893
Date of enlistment 19/04/1915
Date and unit at enlistment (ORs) 19/04/1915 Enlisted in the 22nd Battalion.
Date of embarkation 26/08/1915
Date of honour or award 19/05/1918 Awarded Victoria Cross for action at Villesurancre, France whilst serving with 22 Battalion, 6 Brigade, 2 Division as a Sergeant
Date of recommendation honour or award 24/05/1918
Date of recommendation honour or award 19/05/1918
Date returned to Australia 24/08/1918
Date of recommendation honour or award 30/05/1918
Date of recommendation honour or award 27/05/1918
Date of death 12/01/1970