Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

William James Carruthers was a soldier who enlisted in the war on 28th January 1916. He was a soldier that went to Gallipoli to fight against the Germans. He returned from war age 21, He was a soldier that fought for Australia and Great Britain and gave his life for them. 

William was born 1897 in Milang, South Australia to David Carruthers and Caroline Carruthers (nee Renowden). His religion was Methodist. He then moved to Wirrabra, South Australia. When he enlisted for the army his current occupation was a labourer, but it is not known what type of work he did. Before joining the war, William had had no previous military training, excluding Compulsory Military Training Scheme. He was enlisted as a Private and was assigned to the 10th battalion, 17th reinforcement. He was single when he joined the war. William was sent to the Western Front. 

Before William could enter combat, he had to complete training. It was compulsory also to be medically examined to make sure that you were fit enough for war and did not have any defects or medical issues that could affect you. Every single soldier had a medical sheet filled out stating that they did not have certain diseases and their eyes can see the required distance, his heart and lungs are healthy, he has free movement of limbs and joints and is not subject to fits of any type. It is then signed by the medical officer who examined him. 

William served in the Army for 3 years. He embarked 11 April 1916 and returned 29 July 1919. During his service period, he had many injuries and illnesses. He first reached the Western Front with the 10th Battalion on 19 September 1916. He was taken ill with dysentery in November 1916 and spent the following year in England ill. He also suffered from scabies in that time. He eventually rejoined thw 10th Battalion on 15 January 1918 and stayed with the unit for the remainder of the war.

It was in action during the period 10-12 August 1918 that William was recommended for a military award, although he did not in the end receive one. The recommendation reads: "For gallant and conspiucous bravery in operations near LIHONS on 10/12, August. During attack on CREPEY WOOD and afterwards in capturing the hospital he and Pte. McDermott between them killed 6 of the enemy, took 3 prisoners and 2 machine guns. His work throughout was admirable." [MCDERMOTT (/explore/people/131653)]

William returned from the war 29 July 1919 aged 21. Only two months later William died, aged 22. As William birth date is not known it is thought that he had his birthday before he died, making him 21 when he returned but 22 when he died. William died of heart failure. He died very suddenly; the medical report conducted wheh he returned to Australia only a couple of months before found him recovered from his illnesses. As his family was very poor they were not able to afford a grave. So, his father sent a message to CGC (commonwealth graves commission) asking them to put a tombstone up for William so he could be identified. William’s father describes William’s death as so sudden that he was buried with no marking of who lay beneath the grave and the only way William would be able to have a headstone was if the CGC could make one. William was buried in Brinkworth Cemetery, South Australia. William received two medals for his service in the war, a British War Medal and a Victory Cross.