Robert Edward Ryder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Edward Ryder
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 17 December 1895 Harefield, Middlesex, England |
| Died | 1 December 1978 Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, England |
| Buried |
St Mary the Virgin Churchyard, Harefield
|
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Middlesex Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria CrossBronze Medal of Military Valor (Italy) |
Robert Edward Ryder was a very brave English soldier who lived from December 17, 1895, to December 1, 1978. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross, which is the highest and most important award for bravery a soldier can get in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. This special medal is given for incredible courage when facing the enemy.
Who Was Robert Edward Ryder?
Robert Ryder was 20 years old when he showed amazing courage during World War I. He was a private, which is a basic rank for a soldier, in the 12th Battalion of The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge's Own). This brave act happened in France in 1916.
A Brave Act in World War I
On September 26, 1916, at a place called Thiepval in France, Robert Ryder's group of soldiers faced heavy gunfire from the enemy. All of their officers were hurt, and the attack was slowing down because there was no one to lead them.
Seeing this, Private Ryder knew he had to do something. Without thinking about his own safety, he bravely ran forward all by himself towards the enemy trench. He was very skilled with his Lewis gun, a type of machine gun, and managed to clear out the trench. His incredibly brave action inspired his fellow soldiers. It made it possible for them to keep moving forward and turned what could have been a failure into a success.
After this heroic act, Robert Ryder was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Where to See His Medal
Robert Ryder's Victoria Cross medal is a very important piece of history. You can see it on display at the Lord Ashcroft VC Gallery. This gallery is located inside the Imperial War Museum in London, England.
