William Ruthven
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
See also Ruthven (family) for more individuals with the name William Ruthven.
William Ruthven (21 May 1893 - 12 January 1970)was an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
He was 24 years old, and a sergeant in the 22nd Battalion, (Victoria), Australian Imperial Force during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 19 May 1918 during the attack on Ville-sur-Ancre, France, when his company commander was severely wounded, Sergeant Ruthven took charge of company headquarters and rallied the men. He captured one machine-gun, then wounded two of the enemy and captured six others coming out of a shelter. Subsequently he went out and rushed a stubborn enemy position, shooting two who refused to leave the dug-outs. He then, single-handed, mopped up this post, taking 32 prisoners. During the remainder of the day, he continued to inspire and encourage his men.
He later achieved the rank of major.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Australian War Memorial (Canberra, Australia).
[edit] References
- Monuments to Courage (David Harvey, 1999)
- The Register of the Victoria Cross (This England, 1997)
- VCs of the First World War - Spring Offensive 1918 (Gerald Gliddon, 1997)
[edit] External links
- RUTHVEN W.
- Sergeant W Ruthven (photo, brief details)
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference with permission.
