A Second War C.M.G., Great War 'Western Front' M.C. and Second Award Bar group of five...

A Second War C.M.G., Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. and Second Award Bar group of five awarded to Captain V. J. Lynch, Royal Irish Fusiliers, later Colonial Administrative Service, who was wounded by gun shot during the Battle of Langermarck on 16 August 1917 The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George, C.M.G., Companion’s neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel, with neck riband; Military Cross, G.V.R., with Second Award Bar, unnamed as issued; British War and Victory Medals (Capt. V. J. Lynch); Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued, the last four mounted for wear, nearly very fine or better (5) £1,800-£2,200 --- Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 2007. C.M.G. London Gazette 1 January 1946: Captain Vincent James Lynch, M.C., Colonial Administrative Service, Under-Secretary, Gold Coast. M.C. London Gazette London Gazette 17 September 1917: ‘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.’ Annotated Gazette states: ‘Wytschaete, 7 June 1917’ M.C. Second Award Bar London Gazette 1 February 1919: ‘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 Barrister at Law, King’s Inns, Dublin, and attested as a Private in the South Irish Horse on 6 January 1914. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Irish Fusiliers on 28 August 1915, serving with the 7th Battalion during the Great War on the Western Front, and was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry during the Battle of Messines Ridge in June 1917. Promoted Captain on 26 June 1917, he took part in the Battle of Langermarck on 16 August 1917: whilst leading an attack he received a gunshot wound to his left chest, and was transferred to Hospital in the U.K. where he remained until fit for service in February 1918. Returning to the Front, he was awarded a Second Award Bar to his Military Cross for his gallantry during the attack on Hill 41 on 1 October 1918. Lynch relinquished his commission on 6 January 1920, retaining the rank of Captain. He subsequently joined the Colonial Administrative Service in 1920, ultimately 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, in 1946, and died on 28 March 1962.