Private Edward John (Jack) Francis Ryan V.C. Print Page

The sculpture commemorates Private Edward John (Jack) Francis Ryan who was awarded the Victoria Cross (V.C.) during World War One. It was unveiled on the 100th anniversary of the day of the action for which he received the award for bravery.

The pedestal also contains the names of those from the District who served in World War One. 

On 30 September 1918 at the Hindenburg Defences, France, when the enemy succeeded in establishing a bombing party in the rear of the battalion's recently-won position, Private Ryan, on his own initiative, organized and led a party of men with bombs and bayonets against the enemy. He reached the position with only three men and they succeeded in driving the enemy back. Private Ryan cleared the last of them alone, finally falling wounded himself.

Tumut’s Victoria Cross hero Private Jack Francis Ryan was honoured with the official unveiling of his statue in Richmond Park on Sunday. The statue was unveiled a century to the day from Private Ryan’s courageous and clever actions at the Hindenburg defensive line which earned his the highest bravery award for Commonwealth soldiers.

Megan O’Brien, Jack’s great niece, only found out the unveiling was happening last week, but made the trip with her family from Wollongong. “We are all extremely proud of him,” she said. “They have done Jack proud today. He was a quiet man, but he would have liked it.”

Kapooka Commandant Colonel Michael Garraway said it was the great pleasure of Kapooka to be involved in such a fantastic project. “It is a very fitting monument for a man who demonstrated the highest act of valour,”  he said. 

“I know our successive state governments, federal governments and the RSL had been generous in committing money to projects like this, but getting grants and pats on the back doesn’t get projects like this off the ground, and they don’t get it sychronised so it can be unveiled on the 100th anniversary, so for the committee; people like Karen Kell, Gus Cox, Tony McAlister, Lyn Devereaux, the Mayor and other people in the Jack Ryan committee, you’ve done a fantastic job here; this is a great monument and you should be really proud of what you’ve done.

“I also think it’s a fantastic gesture to have all the other names of the Tumut men who served around the monument, with Jack at the top. That’s a nice way to recognise the efforts of all local men, but also in particular, have Jack at the top. I know that if all those men were here today, they would want him at the top of the monument, so it’s a fantastic tribute to this great man. It is a marvellous opportunity for us to be here today; thank you to the committee for the work you have done.”

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said; “This day, in this beautiful park in this peaceful town in our wonderful region it is appropriate we commemorate one our greatest. Until now, John Ryan has not been accorded the recognition due to him. May he now always be in the hearts and minds of all who visit this location and look upon this memorial, gaze upon its magnificence and read its inscription. Under a bond of courage, innovation, integrity, teamwork and, above all, mateship, Jack Ryan and other Riverina Diggers did what was expected of them and so much more in a War that was supposed to end all Wars. Tumut has always been proud of its decorated and famous son but, it is fair to say, has not before today paid him the homage he has so thoroughly deserved."
Excerpt from Tumut & Adelong Times (NSW), 5 October 2018.

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