Walter Edward Carruthers

Shire President 1953

1953

text

eng

histproj_2026_scan073

One of five children, Walter Carruthers was born in Glasgow in 1920.  He came to Australia with his parents, his father Douglas Paton and Isabella Carruthers.  They lived in Sunshine where the family were well known members of the Presbyterian congregation.

Walter took a keen interest in the welfare of young people.  He served as scoutmaster of troops in Newport and Sunshine prior to the war and played a leading part in re-forming the 1st Altona Boy Scout Group when the war ended.

During the Second World War, Walter served at home and abroad for five years in the Australian Infantry Forces (1940-1943) and Royal Australian Navy (1943-1946).

Walter married Lorna Annie Andrawartha in the Sunshine Presbyterian Church on Saturday, 17 April 1943 just before he was discharged from the AIF on 22 April and had a month with his new bride before he enlisted in the RAN on 20 May.  Lorna and Walter had grown up in the Church and their households have been associated for the whole period of their own lives.  Walter was a fine and vigorous singer.  At his wedding he sang several songs in a hearty style, his young wife playing the accompaniments.

When the war was over Walter erected his own home in Altona.  He became a member of the Altona branch of the RSL and was actively associated with soccer.  He was elected as a representative for the Altona riding for the Shire of Werribee in 1951 and served as Shire President in 1953.  Walter supported the separation of Altona from the Werribee Shire.

1938 'Wedding Bells.', Sunshine Advocate (Vic. : 1924 - 1954), 22 December, p. 2, viewed 9 July, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75201518

1943 'CARRUTHERS-ANDRAWARTHA.', Sunshine Advocate (Vic. : 1924 - 1954), 30 April, p. 4, viewed 8 July, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74731950

1951 'MUNICIPAL ELECTION.', Williamstown Chronicle (Vic. : 1856 - 1954), 13 April, p. 2, viewed 8 July, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70701640

1952 'Altona Plea For Severance Supported.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 17 April, p. 1, viewed 8 July, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74723157

1952 'Correspondence.', Werribee Shire Banner (Vic. : 1911 - 1952), 4 December, p. 3, viewed 8 July, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74724151

World War Two Nominal Roll http://www.ww2roll.gov.au