4 Field Regiment (SVN) 'Old Boys' Sep 25 Newsletter

October 1914 where he was appointed to the staff of Lieutenant General Birdwood, the ANZAC commander. At an on-board social function immediately prior to the Gallipoli landing, he caused surprise and conjecture by appearing in uniform wearing medals awarded by the nation about to be invaded. He participated in the landing at Anzac Cove. Later, on 24 May 1915 when a truce was declared to enable burial of the considerable number of dead of both sides, on emerging from the Australian trenches he was accused by the Turks of having taken medals from Turkish dead. He spoke to his accusers in fluent Turkish, explaining how he had earned those medals and was warmly embraced by those who were his enemy. In June 1915, Dr Ryan was medically evacuated from Gallipoli, firstly to Egypt and later to England where, as a Surgeon Colonel, he served on the AIF medical staff. He was subsequently knighted by King George V, appointed honorary surgeon-general of the Australian Military Forces, returned to Australia, and in July 1919 was placed on the retired list with the honorary rank of Major General. Sir Charles Ryan Companion of the Order of the Bath, Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, Order of the Osmanieh, Order of the Medjidie died in 1926. His grave in the Melbourne General Cemetery was discovered by the Turkish Consul General of Victoria. It is in a poor state of repair and the Friends of Gallipoli Inc, a not-for- profit organisation that invokes the mutual respect generated between the opposing forces on Gallipoli to promotes friendship between the peoples of Australia and Türkiye, is arranging its restoration with support from the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye. Dr Ryan’s great granddaughter, Siobhan, a Victorian artist has designed a headstone befitting this illustrious Ottoman and ANZAC doctor soldier and its stone is being obtained from Türkiye. RIP: Major General Sir Charles Snodgrass Ryan KBE CB CMG VD MB CM From Andrew Murray March 2025. With some trepidation (as I don't handle stress and emotions that well these days) I travelled to the Sunshine Coast on Thursday 20 March 2025 to attend Swifty's. In retrospect I'm glad I went and had a pleasant day. Firstly, I would point out that it was not a funeral but a Memorial Service. There was no casket or formal service. I assume the family had a private service at a different date and location. The emcee for the memorial service was Brians eldest son, Chris and he did an excellent job. Brians six kids participated in the service in different ways together with some of his grandkids. Their presentations were often funny and hilarious but equally poignant and emotional. I'am sure there were a few occasions that there would not be a dry eye in the room. The kids spoke fondly and showed their respective love and respect for their father (and mother). They had a soloist on guitar and he played three songs during the service and concluded with Redgum's "I was only 19". Very moving. The Kawana RSL Sub branch then conducted a Poppy Service with first the family and then us vets placing a poppy on the table next to a photo of Brian. Then other guests also placed a poppy if the wished. The service was well attended with a small group from 4 Fr Regt paying their respects. Guests then adjourned to the next room (and bar) for drinks and nibbles, and the inevitable story telling. A lovely day and nice send off to a wonderful man. It was my honour and privilege to know and work with Brian, albeit all those years ago. RIP Swifty.