World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He was gazette for the award posthumously on June 29, 1915 for his actions as a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers, of the British Army on May 2, 1915 near Ypres, Belgium during World War I. Nicknamed "Jackie" he was born in Catford, London, England, he was orphaned at an early age. In January 1901 he joined the 3rd Battalion of The Lancashire Fusiliers as a member of the band, and served until about 1913 but remained in the Reserves. In August 1914, following the outbreak of World War I, he was recalled to active duty and assigned to the 2nd Battalion of The Lancashire Fusiliers. He was sent to the Western Front in France where he saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres for which he won the Victoria Cross for gallantry and died in combat near Wieltje, Belgium at the age of 27. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "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." In addition to the Victoria Cross, he also received the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal (1919-20), the Victory Medal (1914-19, with Mentioned in Despatchers oak leaf), and the Russian Cross of the Order of St. George (4th Class). His Victoria Cross and other medals are on display at the Lancashire Fusiliers Museum in Bury, Lancashire, England.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He was gazette for the award posthumously on June 29, 1915 for his actions as a private in the 2nd Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers, of the British Army on May 2, 1915 near Ypres, Belgium during World War I. Nicknamed "Jackie" he was born in Catford, London, England, he was orphaned at an early age. In January 1901 he joined the 3rd Battalion of The Lancashire Fusiliers as a member of the band, and served until about 1913 but remained in the Reserves. In August 1914, following the outbreak of World War I, he was recalled to active duty and assigned to the 2nd Battalion of The Lancashire Fusiliers. He was sent to the Western Front in France where he saw action at the Second Battle of Ypres for which he won the Victoria Cross for gallantry and died in combat near Wieltje, Belgium at the age of 27. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "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." In addition to the Victoria Cross, he also received the Distinguished Conduct Medal, the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal (1919-20), the Victory Medal (1914-19, with Mentioned in Despatchers oak leaf), and the Russian Cross of the Order of St. George (4th Class). His Victoria Cross and other medals are on display at the Lancashire Fusiliers Museum in Bury, Lancashire, England.
Bio by: William Bjornstad
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