The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
Portrait of Sergeant William 'Rusty' Ruthven (1893-1970) of the 22nd Battalion, AIF. Sergeant William Ruthven was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery and initiative in action in Ville-sur-Ancre in France during the First World War. Born in Collingwood, Victoria, William Ruthven became an engineer and was employed in the timber industry prior to his enlistment in April 1915. During his first tour of duty in the forward area of Fleurbaix Ruthven was wounded. He returned to Australia in October 1918. During the 1920s he moved to a soldier settlement block at Werrimull but he returned to the city in 1931, later working for the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. In 1945 he was elected to the Collingwood Council and became Mayor in 1945. During the Second World War he served with the 3rd Garrison Battalion and other Garrison Units, including those centered around Murchison, Victoria's largest prisoner of war camp. He sat in the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1945 until 1955 as a Labour member for Preston.
1914-15 Star. Impressed on reverse with recipient's details. This 1914-15 Star was issued to Sergeant W Ruthven, 22 Battalion, AIF. The 1914–15 Star was authorised in 1918 and was awarded for servic
British War Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This British War Medal 1939-45 was issued to Major W Ruthven, 3 Garrison Battalion. The British War Medal 1939-45 recognise
Australia Service Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This Australia Service Medal 1939-45 was issued to Major W Ruthven, 3 Garrison Battalion. The Australia Service Medal
Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. Unnamed as issued. This Elizabeth II Coronation Medal was issued to William Ruthven, VC. The Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal was issued in 1953 to commemorate the
George VI Coronation Medal. Unnamed as issued. This King George VI Coronation Medal was issued to William Ruthven, VC. The King George VI Coronation Medal was issued in 1937 to commemorate the coron
Victory Medal. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. This Victory Medal was issued to Lieutenant W Ruthven, 22 Battalion, AIF. The Victory Medal was authorised in 1919 to commemorate the v
