Contributed by Ron Inglis, October 2021
Private William George Stanislaus Ryan, a labourer aged 24 years, enlisted in January 1915. He embarked on the Hororata in April 1915. It is not recorded when he arrived in Egypt, but it is stated he joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) on the Gallipoli peninsular, Turkey, on 27 June 1915.
Initially reported missing, a Court of Inquiry held in Egypt in February 1916 found Ryan was killed in action sometime between the 6th and 9th of August 1915. Ryan was one of five Auburn Memorial men to be buried in the Lone Pine Cemetery, Gallipoli.
Ryan, whose original name was Casey, had been brought up by Mr & Mrs Ryan, both deceased. His only living relative was a cousin, Mrs E Becker of Newtown, so she received Ryan’s service medals. The beneficiary of Ryan’s will was a Miss Hesse of Harrow Road, Auburn. She received Ryan’s effects. It is possible Miss Hesse put Ryan’s name forward to the Auburn Memorial Committee.
William Ryan is honoured on the following memorials in Australia:
- Auburn War Memorial
- Municipality of Auburn 1914-1919 Honour Roll
- Roll of Honour Australian War Memorial Canberra
His decorations:
- Victory Medal
- British War Medal 1914-20
- 1914-1915 Star
