"Major Ted Ruston, who has died aged 99, was awarded an MC in 1945 for his part in the forced crossing of the Rhine. In March 1945, Ruston was in Germany serving with 1st Mountain Regiment RA (1 MR), which had the task of providing close artillery support to 1st Commando Brigade. On March 23, the brigade made an assault across the Rhine, near Wesel. Ruston, the RA representative at Brigade HQ, landed in the first flight. He and his small group, carrying heavy wireless equipment, went into the town behind the leading commandos. For the next 48 hours, despite being within yards of intense street fighting, he brought down heavy and accurate fire on the enemy and broke up four major counter-attacks. He was awarded an Immediate MC. Edward Walter Ruston was born on August 1 1915 at Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. He joined the Royal Artillery in 1934 and, after attending RMA Woolwich, was commissioned into 1 MR. In 1942 he was a battery captain in 451 Battery, which was equipped with 3.7 in Howitzers. These were screw guns designed to be stripped down for transport by mules or by the gunners themselves." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/11374900/Major-Ted-Ruston-soldier-obituary.html
Good question, G. Great story, thanks for sharing. Nice long life for the brave man, rest in peace soldier. o7
