'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

Regimental number	8/2722
Address	Wrights Bush
Marital status	Single
Next of kin	Father, T Ryan, Wrights Bush southland
Rank on embarkation	Private
Enlistment status	Volunteer
Unit name	New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 6th Reinforcement, Otago Infantry Battalion
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Wellington on board Willochra on 14 August 1915
Medals	Military Medal '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
Miscellaneous details	Nominal Roll Vol. 1: Otago Infantry Batln/Sixth