Thomas Joseph Ryan (SN 98) was born in Ballarat East. The 22 year old labourer enlisted in Melbourne on August 18th 1914 and was allocated to the 8th Infantry Battalion. He embarked from Melbourne on board the Benalla in October but was discharged in Albany WA on October 31st. His service record does not note the reason for his discharge.

Following his marriage to Gladys, he re-enlisted on September 29th 1915 (SN 2491) and reached France with the 24th Battalion in March the following year, having been promoted to Corporal. He was killed in action during the fighting at Pozieres on August 22nd 1916. He has no known grave and his name is listed on the Australian Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France.