PAIR: British War and Victory Medal, both correctly impressed to 3900 PTE M. J. RYAN 25 BN AIF.
EMB: 31st January 1916
25th November 1916 to hospital listed as “trench feet”
Whilst in hospital it appears his behaviour is that of someone who has shell shock. Concluding “delusional insanity” and his file reports many of his delusional ranting such as his belief “the staff of the mental ward were leaders of the black hand gang” he also admits to hearing noises in his head and voices at the tip of his tongue that have “power” over him, especially at night.
RTA: 18th September 1917 Mental deficiency (for change)
Amazingly he was accepted back in service as part of the Sea Transport staff in October 1918 accompanying and helping the troops on their embarkation.
Note: Private Ryan’s records contain 73 pages with many of his various rants and delusions recorded giving us a very descriptive insight into his situation and also the medical assessments at the time
Near EF $425
