Ryland, William Charles

died 9 September 1899, Auckland, New Zealand aged 63 years

We are reminded by an old Crimean veteran, Sergeant W. C. Ryland, that today is the anniversary of the fall of Sebastopol.

Sergeant Ryland, who was serving in the 14th Regiment at the time, was wounded in the trenches about Sebastopol, and subsequently received a pension. There are a number of Crimean veterans still in Auckland, who recall with interest the stirring events of over forty years ago. Queen Victoria had a reunion of a number of old Crimean soldiers, and entertained them at luncheon.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 213, 9 September 1898, Page 4

An old man named William Charles Ryland, 63 years of age, who has for some time kept a shooting gallery in Customs-street East, died suddenly early this morning. He was last seen alive at 10.30 p.m. yesterday at which time his assistant, James Brown, left the gallery, deceased retiring to bed in a room in front of it. He was then in his usual good health and spirits.

Brown returned this morning, and finding the gallery closed and the blinds down, supposed that his employer had gone away. As the gallery was still closed at noon the attention of the police was drawn to the matter.

Hubert Ryland, a son of the deceased, could not account for his father's absence, so he and Constable Lipscombe broke open the door. They found the body of Ryland in bed, and as it was nearly cold, concluded that death had taken place some hours before.

Dr. King was sent for, and he ascribed death to apoplexy. The matter was reported to the coroner, and an inquest will be held on Monday next. Deceased leaves a grown up son and a daughter, but had no other relatives. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 214, 9 September 1899, Page 5

Ryland.- On September 9, at Auckland, W. C. Ryland, late Sergt. H.M.S. 14th Regiment, aged 63 years. Funeral leaves for Drury by 9.30 a.m. train.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 215, 11 September 1899, Page 8

A Crimean Veteran
Fought Under Three Flags

The old Crimean veteran, William Charles Ryland, whose sudden death was referred to in Saturday's issue, held the almost unique position of having served under three flags during his career.

He started in the British service, and was wounded at the attack on Sevastopol on the 8th September, 1855. He was then a sergeant in the 14th Buckinghamshire Regt. He was invalided home on a sergeant's pension but being a born soldier he subsequently with other kindred spirits, volunteered to serve with Garibaldi in the Italian war where he rose to a warrant officer for distinguished conduct.

On the outbreak of the American Civil War the old soldier once more volunteered his services, and fought with the Federals, rising to the rank of sergeant-major. He was at Bull's Run, Fredericksburg, and other engagements, besides taking part in Sherman's famous march "from Atlanta to the sea."

When peace once more reigned in the land Sergeant-major Ryland came to this colony in the service of Sir George Bowen. When that Governor left the colony the old soldier turned his sword into a plough share and took a farm at Maketu, which he named Gadd's Hill.

He also married and had two children, both of whom have reached the age of maturity. Two years ago Mrs Ryland died, and her husband then came into town.

The deceased made many friends, who will regret his demise, as he was kindly-natured, and naturally after such varied experiences an excellent companion.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 215, Monday 11 September 1899, Page 2

Auckland, 10th September
William Charles Ryland, an old Colonial Force man and Crimean veteran, was found dead in his bedroom. The cause of death was apoplexy.

Evening Post, Volume LVIII, Issue 62, 11 September 1899, Page 5

Marriages: 
Hubert Otranto Ryland to Georgina Mills Barclay reg. 1915/4780