James Talbot was born 16th September 1910 at Auckland, New Zealand. Son of Edith Emily Talbot and an unknown father. He was educated at Seddon Memorial Technical College before going to work for Connor Brothers at Opotiki as a carpenter. He enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in January 1942, remustering as Air Observer u/t in May 1942 and embarking for training in Canada. Whilst in Canada Talbot remustered to Air Bomber, graduating with his brevet in December 1942. ByJune 1943 he had converted to the Avro Lancaster, and was posted to 115 Squadron RAF. On the night of 3rd August 1943 Talbot was on his 4th operational sortie, a raid on Hamburg. That night was extremely stormy with large electrical storms over Europe. Whilst over the target Talbot's aircraft was seen to be struck by lightning and explode. All the crew, including James Talbot, were killed. He is buried in Hamburg Cemetery at Ohlsdorf, Germany.

The Memorial Cross is correctly impressed NZ42113 F/SJT. J.L.K. TALBOT. The campaign medals are all unnamed as issued, with the Air Crew Europe Star confirmed as a genuine example. The photo of Talbot is courtesy of the Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph Database. The group is currently framed, but this may be dismantled if the buyer desires.