James Lynch was born in Wairoa on 20 November 1913, the son of Blanche (nee Brunton) and Arthur Lynch, who died when James was four years old.
He spent three years at New Plymouth Boy’s High School where he was well known for his rugby skills, representing the school in the 1930 First XV. He then moved to Wellington for an apprenticeship in the engineering trade and represented Hutt Valley and Wellington in rugby. He worked his passage to England where he continued his study and qualified as an Engineer. He then joined the Merchant Navy just before the outbreak of World War Two.
His last voyage was as an Engineer Officer on HM Transport Essex which was part of a convey bound for Malta. The details around his death are unclear but it appears that he may have been injured during a bombing raid on this convey in January 1941. It seems he remained in Malta in hospital, only to die from injuries sustained during another air attack of Malta on 1 March 1942.
He is buried in the Capuccini Naval Cemetery, Malta.
Books
Lest We Forget, Jack West, p.229
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