John Ryan VC (1839 – 29 December 1864) was born in Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary and 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.
Ryan was about 24 years old, and a Lance Corporal in the 65th Regiment of Foot (later the 1st Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment), British Army during the Invasion of Waikato (one of the campaigns in the New Zealand Wars), when the following deed took place on 7 September 1863, for which he was awarded the VC.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ryan_(VC_1863)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron-town
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http://archive.org/details/bookofvictoriacr00stewuoft
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