John Ryan (VC 1863)
John Ryan VC was a British Army soldier and an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.Ryan was born in Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary in 1839.Ryan was about 24 years old, and a lance corporal in the 65th Regiment of Foot, during the Invasion of Waikato, when the following deed took place on 7 September 1863, for which he was awarded the VC.
Ryan died at Tuakau, New Zealand, on 29 December 1863, before he received the medal. He drowned while trying to save a drunken comrade in the Waikato River.The medal
His Victoria Cross is displayed at The York & Lancaster Regiment Museum .
