Sergeant Joseph Bryan was born in Campbellford, Ontario in 1910. He enlisted in 1939 and served in France, Holland and Germany with the Royal Canadian Engineers. Sergeant Bryan was wounded in action before he was discharged in 1945. He died on 24 November 1974.
On 22 April 1945, Lance-Sergeant Bryan with his section was in support of 7 Canadian Infantry Brigade in an attack on Appingdam. He was with the leading company of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and responsible for the clearance of mines and other obstacles along their axis. A roadblock was met at the southern approach to the town and while the infantry provided covering fire Lance-Sergeant Bryan's party proceeded to clear the obstacle. The task was fifty percent complete when direct enemy shell and mortar fire came down on the site. This Non-Commissioned Officer ordered his men to take cover and then alone, under the same persistent fire, he continued to prepare the road block for demolition until he was wounded. At the same time his platoon commander and another Sapper were wounded and Lance-Sergeant Bryan insisted on aiding them until all three were evacuated. The remainder of the section, thus inspired by this Non-Commissioned Officer's gallant action, completed the job and the route was opened, allowing supporting armour to move up without serious delay. It was his cool determination and brilliant leadership which on this occasion resulted in the clearing of the roadblock, allowing tanks to take part in the capture of Appingdam, an operation vital to the liberation of northern Holland.
Note: Lt N.W.D. Mann was the wounded platoon commander. He had been awarded the Military Cross for earlier action.
