Lynch, Paul (Driver, b.1888 - d.1918)

Collection relating to the First World War service of 555 Driver Paul Lynch, 32 Battalion and 8th Australian Brigade Headquarters, France.
[item 1] Collection of 20 postcards and greeting cards sent to his parents Joanne and Michael Lynch, sisters Agnes Margaret (Peg) (Aggie) and Elizabeth (Betty) (Little Girlie) and family. The small messages contained within these cards convey the sentiments of a thoughtful and loving son and brother. There are tourist comments as well as concise descriptions of weather conditions at the Front. The cards include Xmas greetings. Card 20 was sent in anticipation of Xmas 1918. Sadly Driver Lynch did not live to see this Xmas. (Includes three envelopes)
[item 2] Two remembrance cards sent to the Lynch family following the death of Driver Lynch on 15 November 1918.
[item 3] Four postcards sent to Agnes Margaret and Elizabeth Lynch from 2103 Private Maurice Edgword, Army Postal Corps.
[item 4] One postcard to Agnes Margaret Lynch from Charlie.

Paul Lynch was born in Adelaide c1888. He married Maude Agnes and they had two children. When he enlisted on 9 July 1915, he worked as a labourer. Lynch initially joined M Group Base Infantry and then transferred to B Coy 32 Battalion on 16 August 1915. He embarked on HMAT Geelong from Adelaide on 18 November 1915, arriving Suez on 13 December. Lynch then transferred to the Front, disembarking at Marseille on 23 June 1916. He was appointed Driver when he joined 8th Infantry Brigade, on 18 December 1916. Lynch went on leave to the UK from late April to early May 1917, and again in July the following year. Three months later, on 1 November 1918, he was admitted to 3rd General Hospital at Abbeville suffering from influenza. A communication was sent to his wife in Adelaide on 13 November, that her husband was dangerously ill. Driver Lynch died of broncho pneumonia on 15 November 1918. He was buried in the Abbeville cemetery.