Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Francis James Claude Ryan was the son of Francis John and Rebecca Ryan, of Candelo, New South Wales. He was known as ‘Claude’ Ryan to his family and friends. He enlisted the same time as his younger brother, Roy, in September 1915. They were given consecutive regimental numbers in the 1st Battalion and left Australia together in January 1916.

They were both in hospital for a time in Egypt with sickness, and became seperated from one another. Roy was posted to the 45th Battalion and Claude was eventually sent to the 53rd Battalion.

Claude’s little brother, 4473 Pte. Roy John Black Ryan 45th Battalion AIF was killed in action at Pozieres on 7 August 1916, at only 19 years of age.

Claude joined the 53rd Battalion in France on 15 August 1916. He was promoted to Lance Corporal a few months later.

He was killed in action on 11 March 1917. He was the only casualty in the Battalion on that day.

He left a will in favour of his mother and she received a pension for his loss, as well as the one she was receiving for the loss of her younger son, Roy.

A touching card was sent Claude Ryan’s parents from his Candelo mates in England and its contents were printed in the Candelo Southern Record and Advertiser during June 1917.

A Letter from the Boys.

"The following touching letter of sympathy written by Pte. W. E. Collins on behalf of a batch of Candelo boys abroad was received fay Mr. and Mrs P. J. Ryan yesterday, together with a beautiful card: — 8th Brigade, No. 9 Camp, Hurdcott, England. 28/4/17.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Family, — On behalf of the Candelo boys at the 5th Division Camp, who have attached their signatures, I write to sympathise with you in the time of your bereavement. We have just heard the sad news of your dear son Claude. It is unbearable, it is heartbreaking, and we join with you who mourn, and weep with you who weep. Those of us who are bowed down with grief at this time will remember that ours is the loss. For Claude, our noble boy and comrade is at peace and rest, so let us be comforted with the thought that he has received his eternal reward. We as boys treasure happy recollections of our school days and homelife. In the past we have made for the mutual health, happiness and joys of our lives with each other. School life, games and conversations, the day dreams of our youth are the very life and existence of our memories to-day. Now when we think of the past there is a feeling of painful loneliness. One has been called away.

Candelo, that bright spot in sunny New South Wales, was undoubtedly a place of sunshine a few years ago; but the world is a great stage, and the parts with their changing scenes, come and go. Unfortunately, the great part being played now is a pitiful tragedy. Claude like a man stepped out to do his ‘bit.’ He has accomplished his part by making the greatest sacrifice any man can make. All honour to our noble lad. He commands our highest respect, for ‘greater love hath no man than this, in that he hath laid down his life for his country.’

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and family, we have thought of you in your distress, we join with you in your sorrow, but hope that our words from this side of the world may be of comfort and cheer. Lite here does not end all. It is real, it is earnest; but the grave is not its goal, for there is a glorious Day coming when we shall meet to part no more. Till then may God bless and keep you. We are, in deepest sympathy, Your loving soldier friends, Per W. E. Collins, 11th Reinforcements, 30th Battalion,

Alf. Scanes, 7th Reinforcements, 60th Battalion.

Willie White, 7th Reinforcements, 56th Battalion.

W. E. Butler. 8th Reinforcements, 55th Battalion.

R. Dowling, 8th Reinforcements, 55th Battaljon.

G. Lowe, 7th Reinforcements, 56th Battalion.

H. Went, 7th Reinforcements, 59th Battalion.

Arthur Dent, Pioneer Brigade."