Lynam, John Thomas (Jack)

Rank:

Lance Corporal

Regiment:

Seaforth Highlanders

Regimental No. & Battalion

3605; 1st/6th Bn.

Status:

Killed in action

Research Notes

Derbyshire Times 23 December 1916
CRICH SEAFORTH'S DEATH
Information was received last weekend that Lance Corporal J. T. Lynam of the Seaforth Highlanders, son of Mr and Mrs Lynam of the Post Office Fritchley, had died at the Front in France. The Matron of the 49th Casualty Clearing Section wrote saying that Lance Corporal Lynam died on the 10th last from pneumonia and that the funeral took place at the British Military Cemetery, Contay. The sad news caused widespread sorrow and regret in the Fritchley and Crich district, where the deceased soldier was well-known and respected. He enlisted about fifteen months ago and saw much hard fighting at the Western Front. In the terrible battle of the Somme he had many narrow escapes and it is the bitter irony of fate that he should come through all this and then die from illness. One incident which occurred is worth recording. During one engagement some elaborate German dug-outs were captured and Lance Corporal Lynam was in charge of the party which took possession. On entering one of the dug-outs he found a German inside and ordered the latter to come out. The "Boche" however, beckoned to Lance Corporal Lynam to come further inside and then whilst parlaying the treacherous German fired point blank at the Britisher, but fortunately missed. What happened to the Hun is not recorded! The late Mr Lynam was about 30 years of age and single. He was a member of the Fritchley Congregational Church, the members of which will keenly feel his loss. He formerly took an interest in local football and was at different times goalkeeper for the Fritchley Congregational and Alderwasley football clubs. He also had association with Cromford at which place he spent several summers camping out. Before he joined the Army he was employed at the Chief Goods Manager's Office, Midland Railway, Derby. The utmost sympathy is felt for the bereaved family.

1901 Census: Fritchley

1911 Census: Fritchley