John Edward RYAN

Regimental number10/3994
OccupationBushman
Next of kinBrother, James P Ryan, c/o E McEwan and Sons Queen Street Auckland
Rank on embarkationPrivate
Unit nameNew Zealand Expeditionary Force, 10th Reinforcements, Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Wellington on 4 March 1916
Medals

Distinguished Conduct Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when acting as company runner during an attack. Although all the other runners were lost early in the day he reduced the loss to a minimum by the promptness and rapidity with which he performed this arduous duty single handed, showing the most utter disregard of the intense enemy shelling, which continued throughout the whole operation, lasting twenty hours. Had it not been for his exceptional gallantry and coolness communications back would have been greatly impaired. He was the first man to volunteer for more work later in the evening of the same day, when guides were required for the relieving company.'
Source: London Gazette
Date: 22 October 1917

SourcesNominal Roll Vol. 2: Roll 26, p. 13