William Ruthven (Australian soldier)

William Ruthven VC
Major Ruthven during the Second World War
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Reservoir
In office 28 May 1955 – 14 July 1961
Preceded by	New district
Succeeded by	Harry Jenkins Sr.
Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly for Preston
In office 10 November 1945 – 27 May 1955
Preceded by	New district
Succeeded by	Charlie Ring
Mayor of Collingwood
In office 1945–1946
Preceded by	Bill Towers
Succeeded by	R.L. Friend
Personal details
Born	(1893-05-21)21 May 1893 Collingwood, Victoria
Died	12 January 1970(1970-01-12) (aged 76) Heidelberg, Victoria
Nationality	Australian
Political party	Labor Party
Nickname	Rusty
Military service
Allegiance	Australia
Branch/service	Australian Army
Years of service	1915–1918 1941–1944
Rank	Major
Unit	22nd Battalion
Battles/wars	First World War Gallipoli Campaign Western Front Battle of Fromelles Second World War
Awards	Victoria Cross

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.