Bryan was born in Worcestershire, but grew up in Castleford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England.

[2] Bryan was 35 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 25th (Service) Battalion (2nd Tyneside Irish), Northumberland Fusiliers, British Army during the First World War at the Battle of Arras when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

Although wounded, this Non-commissioned Officer went forward alone, with a view to silencing a machine gun which was inflicting much damage.

As this machine gun had been a serious obstacle in the advance to the second objective, the results obtained by Lance-Corporal Bryan's gallant action were very far-reaching.

[4] His VC is on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum, London.