S3641
RUDD, William James
| Service Number: | 2966 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 10th Infantry Battalion |
| Born: | Not yet discovered |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Fireman |
| Memorials: |
World War 1 Service
| 21 Sep 1915: | Involvement Private, 2966, 10th Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '10' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: HMAT Star of England embarkation_ship_number: A15 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Sep 1915: | Embarked Private, 2966, 10th Infantry Battalion, HMAT Star of England, Adelaide | |
| Date unknown: | Wounded 2966, 10th Infantry Battalion |
Help us honour William James Rudd's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by St Ignatius' College
William James Rudd was a firefighter and married to Mrs Margaret Rudd. Born in Belfast Ireland, resided in 60 Angus Street, Adelaide, South Australia before enlisting in the army at the age of 23. Boasting a height of 5 feet 7 ½ inches (1.75m), and weighing a total of 133 lbs during enlistment (60kg), his chest measured of 34-36 inches (86.36cm-91.44cm), with fair hair and complexion. Rudd held the rank of Private in the 10th Battalion.
Following invasions through France, Rudd was wounded on the 8th March 1917, before being discharged from The Repatriation Hospital on the 5th April. On the 16th May, he then contracted trench fever, a bacterial disease one of which, often left the victim with headaches and other muscle pains.
Rudd was absent without leave on the 14th November 1917, not present at roll call, before an escape attempt in London, on the 24th November 1917. A year later, however, was also found escaping custody, pleading guilty of all charges on the 21st December 1917.
On the 31st January 1918, Rudd was sentenced to undergo detention for a total of 143 days: period under charge of 67 days. Post detention, charged, escaping from custody on the 21st of February 1918, wearing false uniform, pleading guilty to charge. To undergo detention, a total of 6 months (confirmed on the 15th of March 1918), final pending punishment of 206 forfeited days, the pay amended on the 21st February 1918.
Maintaining the rank of Private, Rudd was discharged 2 years after application and embarked on the HMS Orca on the 19th February to Australia.