Page 15 - John Francis Ryan

Kevin O'Connor has added further details to what we read in Johnny's letters. He tells of some of
the yanks having a 'crap' game going on during the whole voyage to San Francisco. Also of
prisoners in chains being brought up on deck for exercise and that they were mostly African
Americans. Given the way they were often treated, I wouldn't be surprised they were getting into
trouble as servicemen. Kevin also recalls being in First Class compartments and how they could
buy cigarettes and Coca Cola very cheaply. They both recount the experience of travelling across
America. Kevin says they had four hours in Chicago and looked around the shops. Then they went
to Philadelphia and travelled on the Pennsylania Railroad to New York. Apparently they came into
the magnificent Pennsylvania Station as an introduction to a remarkable city. Kevin's great aunt
who looked after him was very wealthy and gave him her maps of New York so he knew all the
locations such as Macy's and Madison Square Gardens. As stated in the attached letter, Johnny
being a jazz fan had the clubs in his sights. At one club they heard the great 'Wingy' Manone, the
one handed trumpet player. Kevin tells of some of the group going to a Father Devine prayer
meeting in New York and how at the end people went round selling Father Devine Toothpaste! He
says the boys didn't buy any! He and Johnny went to a cabaret in The Village and met two Jewish
girls and went to their home in Flatbush. This might be the two girls who did sketches of them.
Kevin says he managed to get to Husbands Bosworth airfield to try and catch up
with Johnny, but he was away on a training flight.
Allan Hall, son of Mervyn Hall the only member of Johnny's crew who survived, sent my mother a
brass kangaroo pin which Johnny had given to each of them to wear. It is very touching to know
this badge was with Mervyn when he baled out that fateful night.

This Plaque, in remembrance of John’s Mother, Mary Ann Ryan was laid at the
Tynong State School.