V.C. Who Died In Want

5 June 1941 Northern Star (Lismore, NSW)

Melbourne, Wednesday— Tragedy lies behind the death in hospital of Pte. Edward John Ryan, V.C. hero of the last war, who had battled for years against adversity. He died at the age of 54 years, in want.

For months he had tramped the streets looking for work. On the day he was to have started work he had to be taken to hospital.

Ryan received his V.C. for driving back the enemy in the Hindenburg line with bombs and bayonet after all his companions around him had fallen.