About John Ryan
Lived 1823 – 1858 (aged 34–35). John Ryan was an Irish military personnel.
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.
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Important facts
People in John Ryan's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Ryan?
1857 Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross
When was John Ryan born?
John Ryan was born in 1823 in Kilkenny.
When did John Ryan die?
John Ryan died on 4 March 1858 in Kanpur.
What was John Ryan's occupation?
John Ryan was a military personnel.
What nationality was John Ryan?
John Ryan was Irish.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Ryan (VC 1857)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Ryan. https://biography.guide/john-ryan-military-personnel-1823/
MLA: "John Ryan." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-ryan-military-personnel-1823/.
Chicago: "John Ryan." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-ryan-military-personnel-1823/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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