Private Samuel George Lynch

 

Samuel George Lynch was born on 6 October 1882 at Ture, County Donegal, the first of two children of farmer Robert Lynch and his wife Matilda (née Hall). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at Toulett, Burt, County Donegal, with his recently-widowed father, and working on the family farm.

Lynch enlisted in the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons Service Squadron between 23 and 31 October 1914 (No. UD/85). On 6 October 1915 he embarked for France with his squadron, which was then serving as divisional cavalry to the 36th (Ulster) Division.

In June 1916 the Inniskilling squadron joined with C and F Squadrons of the North Irish Horse to form the 2nd North Irish Horse Regiment, serving as corps cavalry to X Corps. In August-September 1917 the Regiment was disbanded and its men, following training at the 36th (Ulster) Division Infantry Base Depot at Harfleur, were transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers, an infantry regiment. Most, including Lynch, were transferred on 20 September and posted to the 9th (Service) Battalion – renamed the 9th (North Irish Horse) Battalion – joining it in the field at Ruyaulcourt. Lynch was issued regimental number 41174.

No information has been discovered about his service with the 9th (NIH) Battalion through the latter part of 1917 and during 1918, but he probably saw action with the battalion at the Battle of Cambrai in November and December 1917.

On 19 March 1919 he was demobilised and transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve.

After the war Lynch returned to farming, at Toulett and at Kittybane, Newbuildings, County Londonderry. He died at the latter place on 9 August 1958.

 

This page last updated 22 February 2023.