Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Anthony John Ryan enlisted in the RAAF 18Feb1958. After Recruit Course #448 (began in Richmond -completed Rathmines) attended RSTT Forest Hill and trained as an Engine Mechanic (Course #62). Posted to 2AD on graduation Feb 1959. Posted back to RSTT for Engine Fitter Course (#44) and on graduation late 1960 posted to 1 BFTS Point Cook. Posted to 2 ATU RAAF Edinburgh early 1963 (LAC) Posted 1966 to 1AD Laverton where promoted to CPL 1967. Posted 1968 to RAAF Richmond 36 Sqn Engine Section. Promoted Sgt 1969. Began training #10 C130A Flight Engineer Course late 1970, graduated Dux of Course 1971. Category B upgrade 1973. Appointed Simulator Instructor C130A (Secondary Duty) Awarded "Category A Aircrew" C130A Flight Engineer August 1975. Appointed Check Engineer C130A. Promoted F.Sgt 1976. Deputy F/E Leader 36 Sqn 1977. Attached 37 Sqn Sept 1977 to undergo C130E conversion in the lead up to accepting the C130H in 1978. Appointed 36 Sqn F/E Leader 1978 as Warrant Officer. Underwent C130H conversion with Lockheed Georgia at Dobbins AFB, Marietta Ga. Oversaw introduction of the C130H into RAAF Service ferrying A97-001 and A97-012 from Marietta to Richmond. Part of the first RAAF C130 ops to Antarctia on Operation Deep Freeze 1978 with A97-005. Appointed inaugural B707 F/E Leader in Jamuary 1979 and underwent B707 conversion training with Qantas. Remained as B707 F/E Leader until resigning from RAAF March 1981. Later joined Cathay Pacific Airways as a Lockheed L1011 F/E and then as B747 F/E. Resigned from CPA in 1991 and returned to Australia. Gained Private Pilot Licence and flew with Manning River Aero Club, winning the RFACA ALAC "Non-Instrument Circuit" event at the Australian Championships 1995. Ceased flying in 2013 when unable to renew Class 2 Medical due Renal Cancer. Authored by AJ (Old Fella) Ryan 2/1/2023