John Ryan (VC 1863)

He recovered a fallen officer and guarded him through night.

John Ryan was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, around 1840. He worked as a labourer before joining the 65th Regiment of Foot. His service took him to Australia and then New Zealand during the campaigns between British forces and Maori communities.

On 7 September 1863, British troops near Cameron Town on the Waikato River were attacked and forced to withdraw. Ryan, a lance-corporal, helped cover the retirement with two other soldiers. When an officer was found to be missing, they returned across the exposed ground to recover him.

The men brought the officer's body back while under fire, and remained with it through the night while surrounded by opposing forces. Ryan received the Victoria Cross, while Privates Bulford and Talbot were recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The action occurred near Alexandra Redoubt, where the river and its communications were important to the British campaign.

Ryan survived that fighting but died only months later. On 29 December 1863 at Tuakau he entered the river in an attempt to save a fellow soldier who had fallen into the water. He drowned during the rescue attempt.

He was buried in an unmarked grave in the cemetery at Alexandra Redoubt. His Victoria Cross was sent to his mother, and his name was included on the regimental memorial there. He was in his early twenties.

The two episodes for which he is remembered were separated by less than four months: the recovery of a fallen officer under enemy fire and the attempt to save another comrade from drowning. His New Zealand service ended before he could return home or pursue a civilian career.

Official Victoria Cross citation

For gallant conduct at the engagement near Cameron-town above referred to. This Non- Commissioned Officer, with Privates Bulford and Talbot, of the same Regiment, who have been recommended for the Medal for distinguished conduct in the Field, for their behaviour on the same occasion, removed the body of the late Captain Swift from the Field of Action, after he had been mortally wounded, and remained with it all night in a bush surrounded by the enemy.

The London Gazette of 19 January 1864, Numb. 22809, p. 261.