Born:  March 28th 1914
Died:  September 23rd 1943

He was the elder son of the Revd. James Quinn, Chancellor of Down Cathedral and his wife, Muriel Alice Maguire. At the time of his birth, his father was Rector of St. Michael’s Church, Belfast.

He was educated at Shrewsbury where he was an Exhibitioner and Matriculated in 1933 having won a History Scholarship to Christ Church. He was President of Athletics and a member of Oxford University Centipedes. He graduated with a 2nd in history in 1935 and in theology in 1937.

After graduating, he was a Lecturer in Theology and of Modern History at Wycliffe Hall and after he was ordained in 1938, he was Chaplain of St. Peter's Hall.

From 27 April 1939, he was a Chaplain to the Forces 4th Class and was attached to the 5th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment. He served with them in France, Syria and Italy.

He was awarded the Military Cross which was announced in the London Gazette on 20 December 1940.

‘Rev. Quinn acted as chaplain to the Battalion throughout the operations in Belgium and France and was outstanding for the cool manner in which he tended to the wounded without a thought for his own safety. On every occasion when the Battalion occupied a defensive position he refused to go back to the transport lines but stayed in the forward area, encouraging the men and by his personal example of fearlessness inspiring all who came in contact with him. On several occasions, owing to the M.O. becoming a casualty, he took charge of the R.A.P. He was badly wounded on 28 May, while tending the injured. He showed a fine example of coolness and courage.’

He was killed at Salerno and is buried in the Salerno War Cemetery Plot V. A. 8.

On 25 March 1997, Dix Noonan Webb sold his medals for £460. The estimate had been £400-£500.
“A fine B.E.F. Military Cross group of six awarded to The Reverend J. E. G. Quinn, Royal Army Chaplains’ Department, attached 5th Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, later killed in action at Salerno.
Military Cross, G.VI.R., the reverse officially dated ‘1940’ and additionally named; 1939-45 Star; Africa Star, clasp, 8th Army; Italy Star; Defence and War Medals, together with named condolence slip, extremely fine (6) “

The Diaries of Rev. J. E. G. Quinn covering his service as an Army padre in France, Syria and Italy, 1940-1943 are held in the Imperial War Museum.