| Regimental number | 5064 |
| Place of birth | Milang, South Australia |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Address | Wirrabra, South Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 18 |
| Height | 5' 6.5" |
| Weight | 118 lbs |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Caroline Carruthers, Wirrabra, South Australia |
| Previous military service | Nil (exempt area under Compulsory Military Training scheme) |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 10th Battalion, 17th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/27/4 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 10th Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Age at death from cemetery records | 22 |
| Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 58 |
| Other details |
War service: Western Front Proceeded overseas to France from 3rd Training Bn, Perham Downs, England, 5 September 1916; taken on strength, 10th Bn, in the field, 19 September 1916. Admitted to 8th Australian Field Ambulance, 30 November 1916 (sore feet); transferred to Stationary Hospital, Rouen, 6 December 1916 (suspected dysentery); transferred to England, 24 December 1916, and admitted to University War Hospital, Southampton, 25 December 1916 (dysentery: slight); transferred to Bardon-on-Sea Hospital, New Milton, 23 March 1917; discharged on furlough, 3 April 1917, to report to Administrative Headquarters, Horseferry Road, London, 18 April 1917. Classified B.1.A.3, 19 April 1917; reclassified B.1.A.4, 27 April 1917. Transferred to 70th Bn, Wareham, 1 May 1917. Admitted to 17th Field Ambulance, Windmill Hill, 30 August 1917 (scabies); discharged to Training Depot, 3 September 1917, and marched in to 70th Bn. Marched out to No 3 Command Depot, Hurdcott, 18 October 1917. Classified B.1.A.4, 25 October 1917. Marched in to 13th Training Bn, Sutton Veny, 2 November 1917. Marched out to No 3 Command Depot, Hurdcott, 30 November 1917. Classified A.3, 2 December 1917. Marched out to Overseas Training Brigade, Longbridge Deverill, 12 December 1917. Proceeded overseas to France, 10 January 1918; rejoined 10th Bn, in the field, 15 January 1918. On leave to United Kingdom, 20 December 1918; rejoined Bn, 11 January 1919. On leave to Paris, 26 February 1919; rejoined Bn from leave, 11 March 1919. Embabarked for England for return to Australia, 24 April 1919; marched in to No 1 Group, Longbridge Deverill, 25 April 1919. Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Ormonde', 16 June 1919; disembarked Adelaide, 29 July 1919; due to be discharged (termination of period of enlistment), 9 October 1919. Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal Died of heart failure (effects of gas), 9 September 1919. Father, David Carruthers, wrote to War Graves Commission, 13 September 1920: 'I wrote to you some time ago asking you to kindly help me to put up a stone to the memory of my dear son William James Carruthers ... who died suddenly at Hart, S.A. September 9th 1919. Sir, please to reply & let me know if you can help me as I am to (sic) poor to put one up myself.' Father wrote again, 14 March 1921: 'I would you kindly let me know (sic) if the government can help me to put up a head stone to my dear son, As I am to (sic) poor to do the lot if I could get help I would be thankful to you as he was one of the best. He died suddenly at Hart S.A. ... & he was buried there & no stone or cross over him to let anyone know who lies there. Please to help me to honnor (sic) him.' |
| Date of death | |
| Place of burial | Brinkworth Cemetery, South Australia |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, CARRUTHERS William James |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
