Victoria Cross & VC

cross patté (described in the Royal Warrant as a 'Maltese cross of bronze') having at its centre a crown surmounted by 'lion gardant'; beneath the crown an ornamentally draped scroll bearing the motto: 'FOR VALOUR'. Raised borders outline the shape of the cross. The plain reverse bears a central circle (with raised edge) to enclose the date of the act of gallantry. The suspension bar comprises a straight laurelled bar with integral 'V' lug; the plain reverse of the suspension bar is engraved with details of the recipient. The 1½-inch wide ribbon is crimson. The presence of a straight laurelled Bar (in the same form as the suspension bar but without the 'V' lug) indicates a subsequent award. [Note: originally the ribbon was dark blue for Royal Navy recipients and crimson (described as 'red' in the Warrants) for the Army. After the formation of the Royal Air Force (1 April 1918) the crimson ribbon (sometimes described as 'claret', 'maroon' or 'dark red', was adopted for all recipients. When present, a straight laurelled Bar (in the same form as the suspension bar but without the 'V' lug) indicates a subsequent award.]

Private Robert Edward Ryder won his Victoria Cross on 26 September 1916 at Thiepval on the Somme while serving with the 12th Battalion, the Middlesex Regiment. Ryder's VC was one of two won the 12th Battalion that day.

Acquisition : originally presented as a loan; the loan was altered to a gift following the settlement of a Capital Transfer question, with effect from 23 March 1979; see "Ryder" file, Department of Exhibits

Association-recipient and event : awarded VC "for most conspicuous bravery and initiative" during the Battle of Thiepval Ridge, 26-28 September 1916. On 26 September 1916, while attacking enemy lines, his company was held up by heavy rifle fire and all the officers in charge wounded. Due to lack of leadership the attack was showing signs of collapse when Private Ryder made a solitary assault on the enemy trench which, with the aid of a Lewis gun, he managed to put out of action. This feat not only made possible, but also greatly inspired the subsequent advance of his comrades. Private Ryder died, aged 83, in December 1978

No. 3281 PTE. R.RYDER, 12TH. BN. MIDDLESEX R.

26 SEP 1916.