John Ryan (VC 1857) explained

John Ryan
Birth Date:c. 1823
Death Date:4 March
Birth Place:Kilkenny, Ireland
Death Place:Cawnpore, British India
Allegiance: United Kingdom
Rank:Sergeant
Branch:Madras Army
Unit:1st Madras European Fusiliers
Battles:Indian Mutiny
Awards:Victoria Cross

John Ryan VC (c. 1823 – 4 March 1858) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Details

He was about 34 years old, and a private in the 1st Madras Fusiliers (later The Royal Dublin Fusiliers), Madras Army during the Indian Mutiny when the following deed took place at the Relief of Lucknow for which he (and Peter McManus) were awarded the VC:

He later achieved the rank of Sergeant and was killed in action at Cawnpore, India, on 4 March 1858.

The medal

His Victoria Cross is held by the National Army Museum, Chelsea, London.[1]

References

Listed in order of publication year

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Victoria Cross, Private John Ryan, 1st Madras European Fusiliers, 26 September 1857 | Online Collection | National Army Museum, London.