Aug 13, 1885

Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England to William John and Elizabeth (nee Bracewell) Lancaster

May 12, 1906

Married to Margaret Mary Carbine in West Yorkshire, England.  His occupation was listed as Coachman

Mar 7, 1915

Shown on the payroll of the 45^th Victoria Regiment, Canadian Militia

Mar 26, 1915

Attested into the 21^st Battalion in Lindsay, Ontario 

Ø      Number 59562 (temporary number 1323)

Ø      Next of kin given as Margaret Lancaster, wife, 116 Heap Lane, Bradford, Yorkshire, England

Ø      Previous occupation given as Chauffeur

Ø      No previous military experience given

Ø      Religion given as Methodist

Ø      Assigned to the Depot Company

o       He was later transferred to “C” Company 

The battalion trained in the Kingston area through the winter with headquarters in the Kingston Armouries

May 6, 1915

Embarked the RMS Metagama in Montreal, Quebec

May 15, 1915

Disembarked in Devonport, England and the battalion proceeded to the West Sandling Camp, near Hythe, Kent to continue training

Sep 5, 1915

Forfeits 1 day’s pay for being absent

Sep 14, 1915

Embarked the St. Seiriol in Folkestone

Sep 15, 1915

Disembarked in Boulogne, France and the battalion proceeded to St. Omer

Oct 30, 1915

While the battalion occupied the front line north-west of St. Eloi, Belgium, Private Lancaster was instantly killed by a gun shot to the head from an enemy sniper while manning a listening post.  He was buried in the Ridgewood Military Cemetery, Dickebusch, Belgium.

Following his death the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Plaque (Dead Man’s Penny), Scroll and Memorial Cross were sent to Mrs. Louissa Padgett (children’s guardian, his widow had deserted the family and her address was unknown), 22 Napier Road, Thornbury, Bradford, Yorkshire, England.