Career
Ryder was 20 years old, and a private in the 12th Battalion, The Middlesex Regiment (Duke of Cambridge"s Own), British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Venture capital. On 26 September 1916 at Thiepval, France, Private Ryder"s company was held up by heavy rifle fire and all his officers had become casualties. Foreign want of leadership the attack was flagging when Private Ryder, realising the situation and without a moment"s thought for his own safety dashed, absolutely alone, at the enemy trench and by skilful handling of his Lewis gun succeeded in clearing the trench. This very gallant act inspired his comrades, made the subsequent advance possible and turned what could have been failure into success.