RYAN, William Barry
| Service Number: | 413446 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 17 August 1941, Sydney, NSW |
| Last Rank: | Warrant Officer |
| Last Unit: | No.104 Squadron (RAF) |
| Born: | Hazelbrook,New South Wales, Australia, 24 December 1922 |
| Home Town: | Tamworth, Tamworth Municipality, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Werris Creek Public School, West Tamworth Public School, Tamworth High School |
| Occupation: | Student Tamworth High School |
| Died: | Flying Battle, Off Corsica, 17 April 1944, aged 21 years |
| Cemetery: |
No known grave - "Known Unto God" |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Malta Memorial, Floriana |
World War 2 Service
| 3 Sep 1939: | Involvement Warrant Officer, 413446 | |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Aug 1941: | Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Warrant Officer, 413446, No.104 Squadron (RAF), Sydney, NSW |
Help us honour William Barry Ryan's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
Son of Richard and Elizabeth Ryan, of West Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia.
Wellington LN 928 took off from Foggia Main Areodrome at 23.07 Hours. Ditched due to engine failure over Target (Lewhorc, Italy).The pilot ditched the aircraft in a very rough sea and escaped in an inrush of water which assisted him out of the escape hatch and he managed to reach a dinghy. No trace of William or the remaining members of the crew was found. The distress signal was received as follows - At Time S Stated D130B Hours "Landing at Borgo with Engine Trouble" 0206 Hours "Preparing to Dith" 0209 Hours "Now Ditching Position 42 Degrees (20(42) North 09 Degrees 37 East" At 1446B Hours 17 April following received from Flying control Borgo Corsica "No news Mike of 104 Squadron" Search continuing will keep you informed".
It is with the deepest regreat that I have to inform you that your son, Warrant Officer W.B. Ryan who was flying as Rear gunner of a bomber aircraft is missing from operations against the enemy in the early hours of the morning of 17th April 1944.
During that time he has been with the squadron the keen and enthusiastic way in which he went about his duties both on the ground and in the air was an example to us all and his loss is a bitter blow to the squadron.
Click images to start slideshow.