Charles Smith Rutherford

Captain Charles Smith Rutherford, V.C., M.C., M.M.

Captain Charles Smith Rutherford, V.C., M.C., M.M., was one of Canada’s most highly decorated soldiers of the First World War. Born in Ontario, he served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force through some of the war’s hardest fighting, including Ypres, the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Amiens, and the Second Battles of Arras.

Rutherford was wounded at Regina Trench and again near Amiens, but each time returned to duty. At Passchendaele in October 1917, while serving under Major George Pearkes, he distinguished himself under fire and was awarded the Military Medal. In August 1918, during the Battle of Amiens at Arvillers, he showed further courage and initiative, helping capture a German divisional headquarters, prisoners, and a large number of machine guns. For this action he received the Military Cross.

On 26 August 1918, during the attack on Monchy-le-Preux, Lieutenant Rutherford performed the act for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. Finding himself ahead of his men, he encountered a strong enemy party outside a pillbox. By extraordinary nerve and bluff, he convinced the enemy they were surrounded and secured the surrender of 45 men, including two officers and three machine guns. He then attacked another pillbox with a Lewis gun section, capturing a further 35 prisoners and more machine guns, allowing the Canadian advance to continue.

His Victoria Cross citation praised his “most conspicuous bravery, initiative and devotion to duty,” noting that his actions greatly assisted the capture of the main objective and inspired all ranks around him.

Rutherford later served again during the Second World War with the Veterans Guard of Canada. He died on 11 June 1989 at the age of 97, the last Canadian Victoria Cross recipient of the First World War to pass away.

Lest We Forget.