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Private JOHN LYNN

Service Number: 1272
Regiment & Unit/Ship

Lancashire Fusiliers

2nd Bn.

Date of Death

Died 02 May 1915

Age 27 years old

Buried or commemorated at

GROOTEBEEK BRITISH CEMETERY

Vlamertinghe Churchyard Memorial.

Belgium

Famous casualties: headstone of Private J Lynn, VC in Grootebeek British Cemetery, Belgium

Photographer: Unknown

  • Country of Service United Kingdom
  • Awards Victoria Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal
  • Additional Info Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class (Russia). Foster son of Mrs. E. Harrison, of 20, Hindsley Place, Forest Hill, London.
  • Personal Inscription WHO WAS BURIED AT THE TIME IN VLAMERTINGHE CHURCHYARD BUT WHOSE GRAVE WAS DESTROYED IN LATER BATTLES A PLACE IS VACANT IN OUR HOME THAT NEVER CAN BE FILLED
  • Additional Citation note

    An extract from the "London Gazette," dated 29th June, 1915, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery near Ypres on 2nd May 1915. When the Germans were advancing behind their wave of asphyxiating gas, Pte. Lynn, although almost overcome by the deadly fumes, handled his machine gun with very great effect against the enemy, and when he could not see them he moved his gun higher up on the parapet, which enabled him to bring even more effective fire to bear, and eventually checked any further advance. The great courage displayed by this soldier had a fine effect on his comrades in the very trying circumstances. He died from the effects of gas poisoning."

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