Tyne Cot Memorial
D.L.I. Memorial Book
Pauline Priano has submitted the following:-
James Lynch was born 1887 in Manchester to parents John and Catherine Lynch later of Escomb.
In 1911 James was boarding at the home of Miles Moses at 45 Dene Bridge Row, Chilton and was a coal miner hewer.
James enlisted at Durham joining as Private 12503 Durham Light Infantry, 12th Battalion, 68th Brigade, 23rd Division. James’s Battalion was involved 1917 in the Battle of Polygon Wood. On October 11th 1917 they moved to Railway Dugouts and the next day prepared for the trenches. They relieved the 10th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers under cover of darkness to the east of Polygon Wood and due to heavy shell fire this was not complete until dawn, they sustained 20 casualties. October 14th the Battalion was in the line and under a constant barrage going without sleep that night and the following day counted a further 20 casualties. They were relieved October 16th by the 10th West Riding Regiment and it was complete by 8.45 p. m., they were once again at Railway Dugouts. On the 17th the Battalion rested, cleaned equipment and organised, calculating total casualties sustained in the line being 99, 30% of whom were killed. James Lynch was one of the 30%. Private 12503 James Lynch D.L.I. was declared to be dead October 17th 1917 and has no known grave. He is commemorated amongst the missing at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke, Belgium, Panel 128 - 131 and 162 - 162A in the rotund not far from Private Joseph Armstrong Robert Wharton D.L.I. who along with James and 134 others is also remembered at St Aidan’s Church, Chilton on a wooden Triptych.
James’ sister Annie Knaggs claimed his personal effects as his parents were both dead.
In God’s safe keeping. Rest In Peace.
James Lynch is remembered at Chilton on C107.01, C107.04 and C107.12
