Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare and impressive Union of South Africa M.S.M. group of nine awarded to ‘Jameson raider’ Squadron Sergeant-Major F. K. “Paddy” Ryan, South African Forces and Police

Cape of Good Hope General Service 1880-97, 1 clasp, Bechuanaland (Pte. F. K. Ryan, Spl. Pol.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Defence of Kimberley, Orange Free State, Transvaal (531 Corpl. F. K. Ryan, Cape Police), the last two riveted clasps loose on riband; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (531 Serjt. F. K. Ryan, C.P. Dist. 2); 1914-15 Star (S.S.M. F. K. Ryan, 5th S.A.M.R.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (2nd C./W.O. F. K. Ryan, 5th S.A.M.R. ); Permanent Forces of the Empire L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (No. 1805 Sqn. Sgt. Maj. F. K. Ryan, 3rd Rgt. S.A.M.R.); Union of South Africa Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R. (No. 1805 S.S.M. F. K. Ryan, S.A.M.R.); Kimberley Star 1899-1900, hallmark letter ‘a’, complete with upper brooch-bar, together with regimental prize medals (2), comprising Griqualand West Brigade 1896, silver cross pate, hallmarks for Birmingham 1896 and inscribed ‘G.W.B.S. 97 Sword Exercise won by E Troop D.F.H. Tr. K. Ryan’ and the second an ornate shield shaped medal in silver and gilt, hallmarks for Birmingham 1905, the obverse scroll inscribed ‘“Q” C.M.P. Rifle Club’, the reverse inscribed ‘2nd Aggte. Score, No. 58 Sgt. Ryan, Dec. 1905, Score 96’, generally good very fine (11) £2500-3000

One of just 46 such awards of the Union of South Africa M.S.M.

M.S.M. Union of South Africa Government Gazette 25 August 1922.

Francis Kearns “Paddy” Ryan is believed to have been born in Dublin, Ireland, although some sources state Liverpool. In respect of his extensive services in South Africa, an accompanying manuscript obituary notice, written by the recipient in February 1938, is quoted herewith:

‘Late Francis Kearns Ryan. Born 8th March 1869. Served in the following Corps:- 3rd Prince Wales Dragoon Guards. British Bechuanaland Border Police. Mashonaland Police. Diamonds Fields Horse. Cape Police D 2. Cape Mounted Police. South African Mounted Riflemen (Permanent Force). During the Anglo Boer War took part in the siege of Kimberley, Relief of Mafeking, also saw service in the Transvaal and Orange Free State. Was wounded and taken prisoner whilst taking part in the Jameson Raid, was attached to the South African Police (Natal Division) that proceeded to Bulhock C.P. to quell the native disturbance. Retired on pension 1921 with an Exemplary Character and the rank of Warrant Officer. Was the holder of the Meritorious Service Medal, Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, Cape General Service Medal, King’s and Queen’s Medal South African War, 1914 Star, Allies and Victory Medals for the Great War. Leaves wife, two sons and daughters, Eric, Frankie, Kearnsey and Patsy. Send a notice to the Natal Mercury, Natal Witness & Nongu Police Paper. FKR 8/2/38.’

Paddy Ryan died at the Sanatorium, Pietermaritzburg, on 14 October 1949.

Also sold with the Africa Service Medal 1939-45, awarded to his son (ACF F. K. Ryan), together with a contemporary group photograph of Ryan seated with other officers, damaged and worn, and another of him wearing the first three medals; and a file of copied research.