John Ryan (VC 1857)

He braved an ambush to save the wounded men at Dooly Square.

John Ryan was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, about 1823. He enlisted in the East India Company's forces in 1841 and went to India that August. He served as a private in the 1st Madras European Fusiliers.

On 26 September 1857, wounded men being carried toward the Lucknow Residency were attacked around Dooly Square. A small group took shelter in a house under Surgeon Anthony Home and Private James Hollowell. Ryan and Private Patrick McManus went out to rescue Captain Arnold, who lay wounded. Ryan repeatedly searched the litters for other casualties, bringing men away from danger. The group survived further attacks and a fire before reaching safety. Ryan received the Victoria Cross for his rescue work throughout the day.

He continued in service through the campaign but did not survive to receive the decoration in person. He died at Cawnpore on 4 March 1858, probably of cholera, and was buried in the old British cemetery there. His Victoria Cross was sent to his mother in Ireland. His service also brought the Indian Mutiny Medal with the Defence of Lucknow clasp. The surviving medal and award records preserve the story of a soldier whose years in India ended before his gallantry was publicly rewarded.