A Life of Devotion in War and in Peacetime
The past week has been filled with memorials and tributes to the head of the British Monarchy, the only one most of us have known in our lives. Her life was one of service and dedication. Today's blog is about another noble person who served his Country in War and in Peace. RUSTON GEORGE STEPHENSON Ruston Stephenson was born in Tumbarumba in regional NSW in 1886 to Ruston and Julia. He joined the NSW Police Force in 1912. On 1st August 1916 when he held the rank of Second Class Constable, at almost 30 years of age and 6ft 2 inches, Ruston enlisted in the AIF and served in France as a member of the 58th Battalion. Ruston George Stephenson - image from AWM records During his time in the Army Ruston was wounded in action during the second Battle of Bullecourt in May 1917 sustaining a gunshot wound in the right eye and a further injury in July 1918 with a gunshot wound to the right leg, both injuries requiring hospitalisation in France. Stephenson was admitted to hos...