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1205983
Pte. William Rutherford
British Army 6th Btn. Northumberland Fusiliers
from:Newcastle-on-Tyne
(d.26th Feb 1919)
My great uncle William Rutherford was a self taught artist. I have copy of his diary mentioning various battles. Greenland Hill 6th June, Hargicourt Villeret, (?) Ypres, Poelcappel, Houthoulst Forest, Passendaele Ridge. Then Arras sector between Mouchy and Fontaine. He sustained 5 bullet wounds at Greenland Hill and shrapnel at Ypres. In the German offensive of 21st March, he endured the shelling by Germans of mustard gas shells for 4-5 hours. The brigades then the 34th and 59th divisions combined. He returned to England for operations then returned to camp 23 7.18 and diary ends.
I have copies of his death certificate, some of his artworks. I searched through Newcastle cemetery and found his grave and took pictures.
Death certificate says died of pneumonia, syncope few months after war. I believe he might have died from the effects of mustard gas as he has a military headstone.