NAM.2025-05-5-5-1

Oral history interview with L/Cpl Declan Lynch, Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars, conducted by Sophie Stathi on 13 May 2025 at the National Army Museum. Interview covers his service in Germany (1985-88 and 1990), the Gulf War (1990-91) and UN mission in Cyprus (1992); with particular emphasis on the blue on blue incident that led to him being injured in the Gulf War in February 1991. Subjects include: brother serving in the army; postings in Germany being the highlight of his army career: sport, day to day life, Army wives, mentions the fall of the Berlin Wall and how it affected British soldiers in Germany (not much); Excellent leadership from commanding officer getting them ready in Germany for the Gulf (inspecting East German tanks of Soviet manufacture to familiarise themselves with the Soviet Iraqi tanks prior to deployment), being happy about going to combat zone, first impressions of Gulf/Saudi Arabia (heat, poor equipment in comparison to Americans but better discipline and skills), life in the desert prior to the invasion, good relation with Americans, role of his recce section during invasion; focus on blue on blue incident (11:00am on 27 February 1991) during which he was injured as a recce section of 2 Scorpions was taking the surrender of Iraqi soldiers, and call sign 21 Scorpion was hit by a round from a US M1 Abrams tank: type of injuries, how he felt, MEDEVAC, treatment in Saudi and UK; UN mission in Cyprus: perks of being in a Mediterranean island on his time off; leaving the army with no regrets after 9 years of service (1984-93). Part of a collection of objects relating to the service of L/Cpl Declan Lynch, Gulf War, February 1991. Associated with the Gulf War (1990-91).

British Army of the Rhine (1945-2008), Cyprus Peace-keeping (1960-)

DESERT STORM, Operation, 1991 (Gulf War 1990-1991)