Framed print of HMAT Euripides (A14), featuring the signatures of Australian servicemen who ...

Framed print of HMAT Euripides (A14), featuring the signatures of Australian servicemen who returned to Australia aboard the troopship on 6 September 1919. The signatures include those of 465 Captain (Capt) Albert Jacka, VC (far left), and 1717 Private (Pte) John Ryan, VC (far right). Capt Jacka was the first Australian to receive a Victoria Cross (VC) in the First World War. He was awarded the VC for his successful attack on a section of Australian trench seized by the Turks at Courtney's Post, Gallipoli, on 19 May 1915. Jacka leapt over the parapet from the rear, shot five Turks, bayonetted two others, and forced the rest to flee the captured trench. Jacka also later received the Military Cross (MC) for his actions at Pozieres, France, on 7 August 1916. He received a bar to the Military Cross on 8 April 1917 for a daring night reconnaissance at Bullecourt, France. Pte Ryan was awarded the Victoria Cross for 'most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty' on 30 September 1918 in France. During an attack Pte Ryan dashed forward and was one of the first to reach the enemy trenches. He helped to overcome and occupy the trench, and as the enemy counter attacked with a bombing party, organised and led the men near him to attack the enemy party, killing three Germans. Pte Ryan then rushed the remainder of the enemy on his own, becoming wounded in the shoulder as he drove the enemy back across No Man's Land.