Sergeant Joseph P Ryan MM

Joseph Patrick Ryan enlisted into the Royal Berkshire Regiment and volunteered for airborne forces.

Lance Corporal Ryan undertook the 1st advanced training course at RAF Ringway 4 to 11 January 1942. The first advanced training course involving a night descent from a balloon and aircraft descents with arms containers. He was then posted to the 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment (1 Para Bn).

Sergeant Ryan went to North Africa on Operation Torch with 6 Platoon, S Company, 1 Para Bn. His action on 18 November 1942 resulted in him being awarded a Military Medal.

His citation reads:

‘For conspicuous gallantry and Leadership. On the morning of 18th November an ambush was laid (Tunisia Sheet 2 J4959) on the S’ Neir Mateur rd to destroy a strong armd patrol of the enemy. This patrol consisted of three eight wheeled armd cars and three reconnaissance cars. One of these cars though immobilised continued firing with machine gun and sub machine gun.

Sgt Ryan requested permission to attack this armd car with his section. This being granted he attacked under intense fir with skill and resource, personally leading his section. He killed and wounded the entire crew who were putting up a strong opposition. Throughout subsequent operations Sgt Ryan’s leadership has been of the highest order..'

The award was announced in the London Gazette on 11 February 1943.

Records indicate that Sgt Ryan was taken Prisoner of War but not in which theatre.