Four: Chief Stoker H. Ryan, Royal Navy

East and West Africa 1887-1900, 1 clasp, Benin 1897 (Sto., H.M.S. Theseus); China 1900, no clasp (Lg. Sto. 2 Cl., H.M.S. Goliath); British War and Victory Medals (279197 Ch. Sto., R.N.) first two with contact marks, nearly very fine and better (4) £260-300

Henry Ryan was born in Sligo on 12 August 1875. A Labourer by occupation, he enlisted into the Royal Navy as a Stoker 2nd Class on 25 February 1895. Whilst serving on the Theseus, January 1896-July 1897, he saw service in Benin and in June 1896 was promoted to Stoker. Whilst serving on the Goliath, he saw service in China and was advanced to Leading Stoker 2nd Class in July 1900 and to Leading Stoker 1st Class in April 1902. Further advancement came when on Endymion, being promoted to Stoker Petty Officer in July 1906 and Chief Stoker in January 1908. During the war years he served on Pyramus, May 1914-August 1916; Pembroke II, August 1916-February 1917, and Blanche, February 1917-April 1919, after which he was demobilised. With copied service papers.