RYDER, Francis, John, Charles, Herbert

Francis, John, Charles and Herbert were the sons of William Ryder of Yetman.

Francis was the first to enlist in February 1915 at Roma in Queensland. He was thirty years old when he joined the 5th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement. He left Australia for Egypt on HMAT A9 Shropshire in August 1915 and served at Mudros, Dueidar and Kantara before returning to Australia in June 1919.

John, was twenty eight when he enlisted in June 1915 in Brisbane. He joined the 9th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement and left Australia on HMAT A55 Kyarra in August. He deserted ship in Fremantle, was fined, then continued to Egypt where he was transferred to the 49th Battalion. He was sent to France in June 1916. The following year he was ill and went to England for treatment, returning to France in December. In April 1918 he was wounded in action but remained on duty. John returned home and was medically discharged.

Charles enlisted at Toowoomba Qld, in September 1915 when he was twenty seven years old. He joined the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, 13th Reinforcement and left Australia on HMAT A36 Boonah in January 1916. He served in Egypt during the War and returned to Australia in 1919.

Herbert enlisted in May 1916 at Narrabri NSW when he was thirty two years old. He joined the 33rd Battalion, 5th Reinforcement and left Australia on SS Port Napier in November 1916. After arriving in England in January 1917, further training was undertaken before being sent to France in April. He was wounded in action at the Battle of Messines in June. He had some health issues so was returned to Australia in 1918 and medically discharged. Upon arrival at home he was given a ‘Welcome Home’ function at Yetman.

Francis and Herbert have their names inscribed on the Yetman Honor Roll.