2718210 James RYAN, MM, 1 Irish Guards

dbf · Aug 19, 2011

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

Name Ryan, James
Rank: Guardsman
Service No: 2718210
Regiment: 1 Battalion Irish Guards
Theatre of Combat or Operation: Italy
Award: Military Medal
Date of Announcement in London Gazette: 15 June 1944
Date 1944
Catalogue reference WO 373/6
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LG - Viewing Page 2853 of Issue 36563

24th Guards Brigade, 1st British Division, 6 American Corps
2718210 Guardsman James RYAN, 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS

In the ANZIO Bridge head

During the period 21st - 25th February this Guardsman was driver of a Jeep attached to rear Battalion H.Q.

Owing to the difficulty of communications, the number of casualties and the difficulty of getting ambulances forward, this Guardsman was used to take messages from Rear to Forward Battalion H.Q., and more frequently as an improvised ambulance. These tasks involved driving by day and by night, up roads continually shelled and swept by S.A. fire. Never once did he fail to get through or show the slightest hesitation to undertake the most hazardous journey.

On the morning of February 22nd, the forward company, No. 3, reported numerous casualties from enemy Machine Guns and tanks. Guardsman RYAN volunteered to the Medical Officer to go forward to this forward position to collect the wounded. He drove up to a farm house completely over-looked, and at times occupied by the enemy, parked his Jeep, and went forward on foot to find and carry back wounded men. He then ran a one man ferry service back to the Regimental Aid Post which involved at least 6 journeys under close enemy fire and then another ferry service from the R.A.P. to the A.D.S. as no ambulances were available.

For three days Guardsman RYAN devoted himself to this duty with an endurance, courage and unhesitating acceptance of danger that astonished and won the admiration of all who saw him. It was not until towards the end that a Red Cross flag could be obtained for him to fly on the jeep. His continual re-appearance surprised everybody for as he set out on each journey nobody expected to see him again. He was the greatest possible assistance to the Medical Officer and there is no doubt that at least 12 wounded men owe their lives to his outstanding gallantry and subordination of is own safety to the welfare of his comrades.

I consider that this Guardsman's conduct during these 4 ays deserves a strong recommendation for the immediate award of the Military Medal.

Signed C.A. Montagu-Douglas-Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS
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dbf · Sep 27, 2019

Army Number: 2718210
Rank: Guardsman
Name: J RYAN
Unit: 1 Irish Guards
GSM & Clasp: GSM, Palestine Clasp 1936 - 1939
TNA Reference: WO 100/503

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