| Regimental number | 1717 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Tumut, New South Wales |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Address | Tumut, New South Wales |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 25 |
| Height | 5' 7" |
| Weight | 154 lbs |
| Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Eugenie Ryan, Tumut, New South Wales |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Wagga Wagga, New South Wales |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 55th Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/72/3 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 55th Battalion |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Victoria Cross Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Plaque in Victorian Garden of Remembrance |
| Medals |
Victoria Cross 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during an attack against the Hindenburg defences on 30th September 1918. In the initial assault on the enemy's positions Private Ryan went forward with great dash and determination, and was one of the first to reach the enemy trench. His exceptional skill and daring inspired his comrades, and, despite heavy fire, the hostile garrison was soon overcome and the trench occupied. The enemy then counter attacked, and succeeded in establishing a bombing party in the rear of the position. Under fire from front and rear, the position was critical, and necessitated prompt action. Quickly appreciating the situation, he organized and led the men near him with bomb and bayonet against the enemy bombers, finally reaching the position with only three men. By skilful bayonet work, his small party succeeded in killing the first three Germans on the enemy's flank, then, moving along the embarkment, Private Ryan alone rushed the remainder with bombs. He fell wounded after he had driven back the enemy, who suffered heavily as they retired across "No Man's Land". A particularly dangeous situation had been saved by this gallant soldier, whose example of determination bravery and initiative was an inspiration to all.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 61 Date: |
| Discharge date | |
| Family/military connections | Cousin: 2835A Pte David John RICHARDS, 9th Bn, killed in action, 20 April 1916. |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Western Front Disembarked Port Said, 16 May 1916. Embarked Alexandria on board HT 'Arcadian', 29 July 1916; found guilty, 26 July 1916, of being absent from Muster Parade: forfeited 10 days' pay; disembarked Southampton, England, via Marseilles, 9 August 1916. Found guilty, 28 August 1916, of being late on parade 6.30 am: awarded forfeiture of 7 days' pay. Proceeded overseas to France, 9 September 1916; taken on strength, 55th Bn, 23 September 1916. Detached to Anzac Light Railways, 8 January 1917; rejoined Bn from detachment, 12 June 1917. Found guilty, 14 July 1917, of overstaying leave pass from 8 pm, 2 July, until reporting for duty at 3.30 pm, 3 July 1917: awarded 4 days' field Punishment No 2 and forfeiture of 2 days' pay; total forfeiture of 6 days' pay. Whilst returning from leave, admitted to No 2 Convalescent Depot, 4 October 1917; transferred to 39th General Hospital, 6 October 1917; discharged to duty, 11 November 1917; total period of treatment for venereal disease: 39 days. Rejoined Bn, 22 November 1917. Wounded in action, 30 September 1918 (gun shot wound, right shoulder), and admitted to 32nd Field Ambulance; transferred same day to 12th Casualty Clearing Station, and thence by Ambulance Train No 20 to 34th General Hospital, Trouville; admitted 2 October 1918. Transferred to No 1 Convalescent Depot, Havre, 25 October 1918; discharged to Australian General Base Depot, Havre, 15 November 1918; rejoined Bn, 7 December 1918. Awarded Victoria Cross. On leave to United Kingdom, 17 December 1918; rejoined Bn from leave, 9 January 1919. Proceeded to England for return to Australia, 16 April 1919; disembarked Southampton, 17 April 1919, and marched in to No 5 Group, Weymouth. Admitted to 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital, Bulford, 3 June 1919; discharged, 8 June 1919; total period of treatment for venereal disease: 6 days. District Court Martial held at Tidworth, 30 July 1919: charge 1: Failing to appear at place of parade at 1400, 15 July; 2. Failing to appear at place of parade at 1000, 16 July; 3. Disobeying a lawful command; 4. Using insubordinate language. Found guilty to 1 & 4; not guilty to 2 & 3. Awarded forfeiture of 1 day's pay. GOC did not uphold finding on charge 2.Marched in to No 1 Group, Sutton Veny, 1 August 1919. Commenced return to Australia from Devonport on board HT 'Eripides', 7 September 1919; admitted to ship's hospital at sea, 4 October 1919; disembarked Sydney, 24 October 1919; discharged, 10 January 1920. Medals: Victoria Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal In 1929 he sought relief from the Mudgee Anzac and Armistice Association. Melbourne 'Age' reported, 16 August 1935: 'V.C. WINNER CARRIES SWAG: On the Road for Four Years. Mildura: Carrying a swag, John Ryan, a private in the 55th Battalion, walked into an office in Mildura today [Thursday] and asked for work. He had "hitch-hiked" from Balranald. He had been on the road for the past four years.' |
| Date of death | |
| Age at death | 51 |
| Place of burial | Springvale Cemetery (Catholic Section), Melbourne, Victoria |
| Sources | 'Australian Dictionary of Biography', vol. 11, p. 492. |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
