Charles E. Ryan was a British surgeon, educated in Dublin, who served with the American Ambulance throughout the Franco-Prussian war. He was present at the battles of Sedan and Orleans. This is the account of his experiences, including the siege of Paris. He was Chevalier of the Order of Louis II of Bavaria and received the French war medal 1870-71.

He had a private practice in Tipperary and was a member of the British Medical Association for nearly 50 years. He was also a justice of peace for the county of Tipperary.