Built as a passenger ship under yard No 568 by Laird Bros, Birkenhead for the Great Western Railway Company, London.
30 January 1889 launched as the LYNX, two sisters the ANTELOPE and GAZELLE.
Tonnage 672 grt, dim. 235.6 x 27.7 x13.1ft.
Powered by two 6-cyl. triple expansion steam engines, 1,700 ihp, twin screws, speed 17 knots.
Accommodation for 431 passengers.
Two funnels, two masts and turtle back fo’castle
July 1889 delivered. Building cost £35.000.
01 August 1889 she made her maiden voyage to Jersey.
05 September 1890 the LYNX came in collision with the German tanker OEVELGÕNE, after the collision the German tanker did not stop and when she two months later arrived in Plymouth she was arrested.
The LYNX was repaired in Southampton after the collision.
After 1900 the LYNX was not more used in the liner service to the Channel Islands.
After 1908 mostly used as passenger tender for the large liners when she made a call at Plymouth.
1910 Used in the ferry service between Plymouth and Nantes.
Between end 1911 till March 1912 rebuilt in a cargo vessel by Grayson in Liverpool.
After the refit used to carry fruit and vegetables from the Channel Islands to the U.K.
27 October 1914 hired by the Royal Navy and refitted in a minesweeper, armed with 2 – 12 pdr. guns, renamed in LYNN.
Used in the Mediterranean, she arrested her sister the ANTELOPE which at that time was sailing under Greek flag and registry under the name ATROMITAS
05 March 1920 returned to owners, again renamed in LYNX.
Used as cargo vessel between Weymouth and the Channel Islands.
16 March 1925 she made her last voyage from Jersey, after discharging laid up in Plymouth.
15 June 1925 arrived at Charlestown, Cornwall for scrapping.
On the stamp she is pictured outward bound in a heavy swell off Noirmont Point, Jersey.
Jersey 1989 35p sg511, scott526.
Source: register of Merchant ships completed in 1889. Ships of the Royal Navy Volume 2 by J.J.Colledge.
Railway and other steamers by Duckworth & Langmuir.