Cyril Arnold Pryor was born to Alfred and Alice Pryor at Middlesex in Englandduring 1890. When the First World War broke out, Pryor was working in Australia as a boat builder. Pryor, enlisted on 26 October 1914 and was assigned to the 20th Battalion. He departed Australia with this unit on 25 June 1915, aboard HMAT Berrima.

During his time at Gallipoli he was promoted to sergeant. Whilst serving in France during June 1916, Pryor was accidently injured by a flair gun and did not return to France until June 1917. Only three months later in October, 1917 he was wounded by a gun shot in his thigh and was sent back to England. He did not return to his unit in France until August 1918.

While in England, Pryor was recommended for and awarded a Military Cross for "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in an attack in face of heavy machine gun fire. He reached a strong point and captured a machine gun and some prisoners. He was twice wounded in the leg, but would not withdraw until again wounded by shell fire. At his own request he took the place of an officer who had been wounded." This award was gazetted on 26 November 1917.

After the war ended, Pryor did not immediately head back to Australia. He married Frances Amelia Richardson on 5 February 1919 and together they returned to Australia on 27 April 1919 aboard HT Castalia. Cyril Pryor died at Randwick, New South Wales in 1945.