Marine Kenneth Ryalls was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry, leadership and undaunted devotion to duty during the assault on the Island of Walcheren.

At Westkapelle on 1 November this marine drove his amphibious vehicle ashore in an early flight. Owing to the nature of the ground, all vehicles were forced to remain on the restricted beach which was an obvious and important target for enemy shellfire. Casualties were numerous and vehicles were continuously being hit and catching fire. Marine Ryalls, with a fine disregard of his own safety, worked continuously, salvaging vehicles and ammunition and helping with the wounded. After his own vehicle had been hit, he helped to remove two others from the side of a burning LVT which was loaded with ammunition and threatened to blow up at any minute. In all, this marine was working for over 24 hours under accurate shellfire, which included spells of intensive fire. He showed outstanding courage, never stopped a job to take cover, and set a fine example.