Twice rejected in Melbourne for active service, Rudduck booked a passage to London and joined the King's Own Royal Lancaster Regiment, gaining his commission shortly thereafter. Lieutenant Rudduck lost his left arm in action in France, but following repeated requests was susequently permitted to return to the trenches, where he later died from further wounds on 5th June 1918. Ruddock's brother, Ernest, served with 57th Battalion in France.Four letters sent from Europe by Rudduck - while on active service - during April and May 1918 to his family in Dromana (Vic).joseph john rudduck, ernest rudduck, ww1, western front