Have You a Tiger In Your Family?

Rank : Major

Army Number : 4852967 and 137792

Unit : 1st Bn, 2nd Bn, Royal Depot

Biography :

Jack Bryan enlisted at Glen Parva Barracks, Leicester, on 17.1.1924. He was posted to 1st Leicesters in The Sudan in 1925, and moved with the Bn to India in 1927. He was promoted to Corporal on 28.11.1927, and appointed LSgt. on 18.2.1930, serving at the Small Arms School at Pachmarhi for 2 years. Returned to 1st Leicesters at Multan, and then posted to the Depot at Glen Parva as an instrucor. Promoted Sergeant 5.6.1932. Served as SNCO Instructor at RMC Sandhurst 1937-39, and promoted to WOIII Platoon Sergeant Major on 1.10.1938. Joined 2nd Leicesters in Palestine in 1939, and promoted WOII and WOI, serving as RSM. In Palestine he was awarded the GOC's Certificate for outstandingly good work in action against armed bandits. Commissioned as Lieutenant on 17.6.1940. Awarded the M.C. for his actions as a Carrier Platoon commander in 2nd Leicesters at the battle of Sidi Barani, Libya, 10 Dec 1940 (L.G. 25 Apr 1941). Served in that Bn in Crete 1941, and as Captain Commander 'B' Coy was wounded in Palestine/Syria 1941. Served in 2nd Bn in Tobruk September 1941. Listed as wounded and prisoner of war Nov 1941, and escaped. While recuperating he was a camp commandant in Cyprus. As a Major, OC C Coy at ITC Glen Parva Bks Aug 1943-May 1945. He was noted as a boxer and played rugby for the 1st and 2nd Bn teams. He was also an excellent shot with all infantry weapons. Later served with 5th Manchesters in Malta, where he won the Command Individul Rifle Championship. He was member of the winning team in the Inter-Services Match, 1946; Individual L.M.G. Champion Northern Command, 1947; member of the team to win first Army Cup Sten Gun Competition, 1948. In 1947 he was on the staff of Depot at Glen Parva Bks. Awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal on 18.6.1948. Left the Army in 1950 and rejoined in 1952, serving for several years at the Depot. Awarded the 1953 Coronation Medal. Promoted Major 12.7.1954. In 1955 he was posted to Training Battalion The Nigeria Regiment. He relinquished his commission on 7.12.1957. He died in 2002, aged 95 years.

Date of Birth : 11.3.1907

Date of Death : 27.8.2002

Place of Death : Leicester

Period of Service : 1924-57

Conflicts : The Sudan, WW2

Places Served : The Sudan, India, England, Palestine, Egypt, Libya, Crete, Syria, Cyprus, Malta, Nigeria