In 1811, Tommy’s great-great-grandfather James Spring, a British subject, arrived in London from the Caribbean. He worked as a seaman and later as a tailor. James had a son, Robert William Spring, who married a lady from Ireland. In 1895, the lady gave birth to a daughter named Amelia Mary Ann Spring (Tommy’ grandmother), who was of mixed parentage.

Several years later, Amelia met Oscar Lynch. Oscar was from Barbados and had travelled to Britain with his friend Thomas Pell (born 1883 in Antigua). Both worked as seamen carrying out many roles on board ship, including fireman, greaser and assistant cook. Later on, Oscar became a stoker at the gasworks in Beckton. Thomas married Amelia’s cousin (also called Amelia Spring) and in 1915 they both stood as witnesses when Oscar and Amelia Mary Ann were married at St. Luke’s Church in Canning Town.

Oscar and Amelia had 14 children and lived at 3 Crown Street in Canning Town before moving to Stepney. Their eldest surviving son, William Thomas Lynch (born 1917 in West Ham) was Tommy’s father. He married Violet Isobel Jones (born 1922 in West Ham) and they had three three children (including Tommy) who were all born in Custom House.

Tommy’s uncle, Kenny Lynch (born 1939), is a very popular singer and entertainer who now lives in Hampstead. Tommy’s aunt, Gladys Lynch (1930-2003), was successful jazz and ballad singer under the stage name Maxine Daniels.