Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 31082, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31082/supplement/15119His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 1717 Private John Ryan, 55th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during an attack against the Hindenburg Defences, France, on 30th September 1918. In the initial assault on the enemy's position 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 organised 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 embankment, 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 dangerous situation had been saved by this gallant soldier, whose example of determined bravery and initiative was an inspiration to all.
Fold3_Team · Oct 31, 2023
Gazette Information: GAZETTE ISSUE 31082, VICTORIA CROSS,: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/31082/supplement/15119His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:- No. 1717 Private John Ryan, 55th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during an attack against the Hindenburg Defences, France, on 30th September 1918. In the initial assault on the enemy's position 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 organised 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 embankment, 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 dangerous situation had been saved by this gallant soldier, whose example of determined bravery and initiative was an inspiration to all.