Orders, Decorations and Medals

The C.M.G. and Great War M.C. and Bar group of five awarded to Captain V. J. Lynch, Colonial Administrative Service, late Royal Irish Fusiliers

The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamels; Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. V. J. Lynch); Jubilee 1935, the last four mounted for wearing, nearly very fine or better (5) £1800-2200

C.M.G. London Gazette 1 January 1946: For services in the Colonial Administrative Service as Under Secretary to the Gold Coast.

M.C. London Gazette 17 June 1917; details London Gazette 17 September 1917: T/2nd Lieutenant Vincent James Lynch, R. Irish Fusiliers.

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in charge of an offensive patrol. He attacked a company which was opposing his advance with splendid dash and determination, capturing two officers and forty-two men and a machine gun. He kept close touch with the enemy, obtaining much valuable information and setting a splendid example of initiative and skilful leadership.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 1 October 1918; details London Gazette 1 February 1919: T/Captain., R. Irish Fusiliers.

‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on 1st October, 1918, during the attack on Hill 41, near Dadizeele. He led his company with great dash in the face of intense machine-gun fire, capturing several important points. Subsequently he withstood two counter-attacks, beating the enemy back to their own lines on both occasions. His action all day was worthy of the highest praise.’

Vincent James Lynch was born on 18 April 1892, and educated at Christian College, Cork. He was a Barrsiter at Law, King’s Inns, Dublin, and served with the Royal Irish Fusiliers during the Great War. He was afterwards with the Colonial Administrative Service from 1920 until 1946, serving as Under Secretary to the Gold Coast Government 1942-46, and acting as Colonial Secretary, Gold Coast Colony in 1943 and 1945. He retired to Kinsale, Co. Cork, and died on 28 March 1962.