William Ruthven (VC)
| William Ruthven | |
|---|---|
Major Ruthven during the Second World War
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| Nickname(s) | Rusty |
| Born |
21 May 1893 Collingwood, Victoria |
| Died | 12 January 1970 (aged 76) Heidelberg, Victoria |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Australian Army |
| Years of service | 1915–18 1941–44 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 22nd Battalion |
| Battles/wars |
First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
| Other work | Politician |
First World War
William "Rusty" Ruthven, VC (21 May 1893 – 12 January 1970) was an Australian soldier and state Labor politician. For actions in the First World War he was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Born in Collingwood, Victoria, William Ruthven was educated locally at the Vere Street State School. He became a mechanical engineer and was employed in the timber industry prior to his enlistment in April 1915.
He was 24 years old, and a sergeant in the 22nd Battalion, (Victoria), 2nd Division, Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when at Ville-sur-Ancre on 19 May 1918, the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC. The full citation for his actions appeared in a supplement to the London Gazette of 9 July 1918 (dated 11 July 1918):
War Office, 11th July, 1918.
His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned Officers and Non-Commissioned Officer: —
[...]
No. 1946 Sjt. William Ruthven, A.I.F.
For most conspicuous bravery and initiative in action. During the advance Sjt. Ruthven's company suffered numerous casualties, and his company commander was severely wounded. He thereupon assumed command of this portion of the assault, took charge of the company headquarters, and rallied the section in his vicinity.
As the leading wave approached its objective it was subjected to heavy fire from an enemy machine-gun at close range. Without hesitation he at once sprang out, threw a [Mills] bomb which landed beside the post, and 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 six others in the same position, and handed them over to an escort from the leading wave, which had now reached the objective.
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