1939-45 Star : Flying Officer W P Ryan, 97 Squadron RAF

1939-45 Star. Engraved reverse with recipient's details.

1939-45 Star associated with the service of Flying Officer W P Ryan. William Patrick Ryan was born in March 1919 at Monee Ponds, Victoria. Prior to his enlistment with the RAAF, Ryan was employed with the Department of Customs based in Canberra, ACT. He enlisted for military service in July 1941 and undertook initial training in Australia at various locations in Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia, before qualifying as a pilot in April 1942. Ryan embarked for the United Kingdom in August 1942 and trained at No 5 Lancaster Finishing School. He was promoted to flight sergeant on 15 December 1942, warrant officer on 25 December 1943 and pilot officer on 18 February 1944. He flew numerous bombing missions over Germany throughout 1944 and 1945. Ryan was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, that was gazetted in September 1945. He was promoted to flying officer in late 1945. Ryan was repatriated to Australia in October 1945, after having accumulated 1246 flying hours including 1 1/2 tours as Pathfinder.