Born in Collingwood, Victoria, William Ruthven was educated locally at the Vere Street State School.

He became a mechanical engineer and was employed in the timber industry prior to his enlistment in the Australian Imperial Force in April 1915 for service in the First World War.

[1] Ruthven was 24 years old, and a sergeant in the 22nd Battalion, 2nd Division, when at Ville-sur-Ancre on 19 May 1918 the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

As the leading wave approached its objective it was subjected to heavy fire from an enemy machine-gun at close range.

Without hesitation he at once sprang out, threw a [Mills] bomb which landed beside the post, and rushed the position, bayoneting one of the crew and capturing the gun.

He then single-handed mopped up this post and captured the whole of the garrison, amounting in all to thirty-two, and kept them until assistance arrived to escort them back to our lines.

During the remainder of the day this gallant non-commissioned officer set a splendid example of leadership, moving up and down his position under fire, supervising consolidation and encouraging his men.