John Lynn

Kept his machine gun firing through a deadly cloud of gases.

He joined the Lancashire Fusiliers as a bandsman in 1901. Recalled in August 1914, he went to France with the 2nd Battalion and earned the DCM for keeping a machine gun in action that October. Near Ypres on 2 May 1915, he continued firing as Germans advanced behind poison gas. Almost overcome by the fumes, he raised his gun onto the parapet to regain a view of the attackers and checked their advance. He died from gas poisoning the next day. His original grave was destroyed; he is commemorated at Grootebeek British Cemetery.

Victoria Cross citation: For most conspicuous bravery near Ypres on 2nd May, 1915. When the Germans were advancing behind their wave of asphyxiating gas, Private 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 the following day from the effects of gas poisoning.