John French Ryan

His father had died in the Battle of the Somme when was just three years old.

John's family campaigned for him to be awarded the Defence Medal after his death. His family remember him as a quiet man who did not seek glory. When phoned by a researcher enquiring about his time in Auxiliary Units he denied any involvement. His family knew nothing of it either, thinking he had been in the normal Home Guard.

As a Vet he had a special interest in horses and was a director of Hereford Racecourse. The practice was at 8 King Street, Hereford, Herefordshire

John joined some Monmouthshire Auxiliers for a reunion at Coleshill House in 1990