Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1864 to 1866 (1648. John Ryan, 2nd Bn. 18th. Ryl. Irish Regt.) minor edge bruising, good very fine £340-£380

John Ryan was born in Fethard, Co. Tipperary, in 1843 and attested for the 16th (Bedfordshire) Regiment of Foot on 16 January 1862, having previously served in the South Tipperary Militia. Posted to the 1st Battalion, he transferred to the 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot on 19 August 1863, and served with the 2nd Battalion in New Zealand from 5 October 1863 to 18 February 1870. He saw action during the Maori Wars, and was present during the action at Nukumoru on 24 January 1865 when Captain Shaw, 18th Foot, was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Ryan subsequently served for six months in Australia, before transferring to the 33rd (Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment of Foot on 15 October 1875. He served with his new Regiment in India from 28 October of that year to 19 May 1883, and was discharged on 12 June 1883, after 21 years and 105 days’ service.

Sold with copied service papers.