Gordon CARRUTHERS

30 November 1917

SKIPTON

SECOND LIEUT. DOUGLAS CARRUTHERS WOUNDED - His Experiences with the Tanks

Second-Lieutenant Douglas Carruthers, of the Tank Corps, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Carruthers, of Gargrave Road, Skipton. has been wounded in the right leg during the recent successful advance on the Western Front, and is in hospital at Leicester. Second-Lieutenant Carruthers, who is 29 years of age, enlisted as a private in August, 1914, and went out to France with the Duke of Wellington's West Riding Regiment in April, 1915. During the time he has been at the front he has gone through a good deal of heavy fighting. In a letter to his sister he states:- "My wound is not bad. I got a piece in the calf of my right leg which I pulled out myself. You will have read in the papers about our success on Tuesday. It was a great day, and the Tanks swept all before them. My 'bus' was detailed to go over first in our company and roll the wire, capture the outposts, and knock out machine guns. This we did easily enough. Then we went forward, and I had gone about three miles and was sailing along merrily in the leading tank, when we ran into a field gun or a battery of them: I don't know which. Four of us were knocked out here. My 'bus' was hit three times, and the third shell burst the armour plate, and I got one of the pieces. I believe two of my crew were killed, but my section commander, who was with me, took charge and I came back alone."

Mr. and Mrs. Carruthers have another son, Corporal Gordon Carruthers, who is attached to the Royal Engineers, and has been serving since September 1914. He is at present in England waiting for a commission.

15 November 1918

Skipton Officer Wounded

News has been received that Sec. Lieut. Gordon Carruthers, West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Carruthers, Gargrave Road, Skipton, has been wounded in the thigh and is in hospital at Rouen. Sec. Lieut. Carruthers, who is 31 years of age, had been in France about three years. Prior to enlisting he was assistant master at the Glusburn Council School. Another brother, Lieut. Douglas Carruthers, serving with the Tank Corps, was wounded about a year ago.

29 November 1918

Skipton Officer Dies of Wounds

News was received on Wednesday that Second Lieut. Gordon Carruthers, West Riding Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Carruthers, Gargrave Road, Skipton, had died from wounds in the thigh in hospital at Rouen. Second Lieut. Carruthers, who was 31 years of age, had been in France about three years. Prior to enlisting he was assistant master at the Glusburn Council School. He leaves a widow, who resides in Pendle Street, Skipton. Another brother, Lieut. Douglas Carruthers, serving with the Tanks Corps, was wounded about a year ago.

06 December 1918

CARRUTHERS - Nov. 27, at No. 8, General Hospital, Rouen, died from wounds received in action, 2nd Lieutenant Gordon Carruthers, 5th West Riding Regiment.

"I have lost but heaven has gained."
One of the best the world contained.

Ever remembered by his loving wife.

06 December 1918

SKIPTON

THE LATE LIEUT. G. CARRUTHERS - At the Congregational Church on Sunday morning Rev. D.H. Gaunt referred with deep emotion to the death of Lieut. Gordon Carruthers from wounds received during the last few days before the signing of the Armistice. Mr. Gaunt spoke in high terms of the true Christian character of the deceased, who had been for many years a member of their church and a teacher in the Sunday School. He was one who was respected by all who knew him, and deeply loved by those who knew him best. He never did a mean or dishonourable deed, or spoke an unkind word. His influence in the army must have been very deep on those who came into association with him, and it was certain he would be mourned by many whom he had helped to lead a better life. Heartfelt sympathy would be given to his sorrowing wife and parents, and to the other members of the family.