Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Second War ‘North West Europe’ M.M. group of five awarded to Private J. Lynch, 10th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, for his gallantry during an attack in dense fog near Calcar on 16 February 1945

Military Medal, G.VI.R. (14554551 Pte. J. Lynch. H.L.I.); 1939-45 Star; France and Germany Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45 mounted court-style for display, nearly extremely fine (5) £1,000-£1,400

M.M. London Gazette 10 May 1945:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe.’

The original Recommendation, for an Immediate M.M., states: ‘On 16 February 1945, Private Lynch, who is a Bren-gunner of 14
Platoon, C Company, took part in an attack on an enemy position South West of Calcar. Visibility, owing to heavy ground mist, was less than 100 yards. On nearing the objective, the Platoon came under very heavy and accurate machine gun fire from several enemy positions which were impossible to locate owing to the mist. Consequently the Platoon was pinned to the ground and sustained several casualties. Private Lynch, on his own initiative, moved forward alone over open ground completely devoid of cover in an endeavour to stop the enemy fire. The flash eliminator of his weapon was split open by enemy fire but this did not deter him from locating and firing at the enemy position. His Platoon was eventually ordered to withdraw and he covered them away. On his own way back, he stopped and helped evacuate a man with both legs broken, the whole time being under very heavy fire. By his courageous act and complete disregard for his own safety, Private Lynch kept up the morale of his Platoon and enabled them to withdraw in good order.’

The 10th Battalion Highland Light Infantry landed in Normandy on 18 June 1944 as part of the 227th (Highland) Brigade. They took part in Operation Epsom, engaging in heavy fighting around Cheux, and then advanced through Normandy, fighting alongside 6th Guards Tank Brigade, before being attached to 46 Brigade. At midnight on 15-16 February, the 10th Highland Light Infantry, whilst involved in the advance of the 15 Scottish Division towards Calcar, conducted an attack in dense fog, and captured the high ground and scattered farm houses to the south of Moyland Wood, past the lateral road running south from Moyland. The battalion rounded up some 80 Prisoners of War, but was immediately counterattacked and had to pull back slightly. It was for this action that Private James Lynch was awarded his Military Medal.

The 10th Battalion subsequently crossed the Rhine in Buffalo amphibians at Xanten on 24 March 1945 and then advanced via Holland, the Ardennes and on to the Elbe, making one final assault in Buffaloes to cross the Elbe a few days before the surrender of German forces in Northern Germany.