Vincent Aloysius Lyons

Vincent joined the University in 1912, and began what was to be a very successful University career. In his first year he took classes in Greek and Latin, followed in his second with classes in Intermediate Greek and Latin, and Ordinary English. In both his first and second year he won prizes for Latin, as well as a first-class certificate for English Language and Literature. In his third year Vincent took classes in Honour level Latin and Greek, as well as Logic and Metaphysics (for which he won another class prize).

In his third year at the age of 19, Vincent gained the coveted Snell Exhibition and Newlands Scholarships – one of the most prestigious awards of the University. This award would see him go on to join Balliol College at the University of Oxford, and study for a post graduate degree. Vincent was awarded an MA with Honours in Classics from the University of Glasgow on the 18th November 1916, however the degree was awarded in absentia due to his being on military service at the time of the ceremony.

In 1915 Lyons joined the Inns of Court Officers’ Training Corps in London, and in early 1916 received his commission. Having joined the 18th Bn. Highland Light Infantry, Lyons was sent to the Front, and was made a 2nd Lieutenant on account of the amount of active service he had undertaken.

2nd Lieutenant Vincent Aloysius Lyons died on the 23rd August 1917. His battalion took part in a number of general strikes on German defences in advance of the Battle of Guillemont, and as a result of the wounds Lyons received at Guillemont Farm, he died at a casualty clearing station. The Colonel of his battalion described him as “a splendid soldier, and one of my best officers. Even after being wounded he led his platoon on to his final objective and captured it. I have submitted his name to the highest authorities for an award of a Military cross for his gallantry and devotion to duty”.

2nd Lieutenant Vincent Aloysius Lyons is buried at the Tincourt New British Cemetery, Tincourt, Somme, France.