'On 18th September some battalions of the London Rifles took part of Flers Trench and Flers Support, but were immediately heavily counter attacked on their left flank by enemy bombers. A bombing party from 1/Otago Batt., was sent to the assistance of the London Rifles and the Otago NCO being killed, Pte Ryan took charge and led the bombers repeatedly to the attack until compelled to fall out owing to wounds, but not until the position had been made secure and bombers driven off. Pte Ryan's action was particularly meritorious, and the enemy were bombing down hill and he himself was wounded early in the flight by enemy bomb splinters.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 9 December 1916