Robert Edward Ryder

Robert Edward Ryder VC (17 December 1895 – 1 December 1978) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Not to be confused with Robert Ryder.

Robert Edward Ryder
Born17 December 1895
Harefield, Middlesex, England
Died1 December 1978
Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, England
Buried
St Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Harefield
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
RankSergeant
UnitMiddlesex Regiment
Battles/warsWorld War I
Awards Victoria Cross
Bronze Medal of Military Valor (Italy)

Ryder was 20 years old, and a private in the 12th Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 26 September 1916 at Thiepval, France, Private Ryder's company was held up by heavy rifle fire and all his officers had become casualties. For want of leadership the attack was flagging when Private Ryder, realising the situation and without a moment's thought for his own safety dashed, absolutely alone, at the enemy trench and by skilful handling of his Lewis gun succeeded in clearing the trench. This very gallant act inspired his comrades, made the subsequent advance possible and turned what could have been failure into success.[1]

He later achieved the rank of sergeant.

The Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Lord Ashcroft VC Gallery in the Imperial War Museum in London, England.[2]

References
Notes
  1. "No. 29836". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 November 1916. p. 11526.
  2. "IWM display". Retrieved 18 January 2013.
Sources
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