James Reginald's Story.
Birkenhead News 08 May 1915
West Kirby Rifleman Killed.
SHOT IN THE LEG
Officers’ Glowing Tribute
News has just been received in West Kirby that Rifleman J. R. (Reggie) Lancaster, 43, South Road, has been killed in action. Rifleman Lancaster, who was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Lancaster, joined the 5th King’s Liverpool Rifles on the first of September last year. He was only 23 years of age, and went into the offices of Messrs. Elder, Dempster and Co., Liverpool, immediately after leaving school. Before coming to West Kirby his parents lived at Aigburth, his father being in the service of the late Sir Alfred Jones for upwards of twenty years. On the death of Sir Alfred the family removed to West Kirby in order that Mr Lancaster sen. might enter the employment of Miss Pinnock “Oakdene,” Caldy, for whom he is a chauffeur.
The sad news was conveyed to the gallant soldier’s parents in these terms :-
“France May 2nd
Dear Sir, it is my sad and painful duty to have to inform you that your son, Private J. R. Lancaster, died on 30th April from wounds received early in the same day. He was on outpost duty in a sap which was heavily bombarded by hand grenades, and was badly wounded in the right leg. I sent for assistance and Lieut. Plummer of “C” Company who is a medical student come up to the first line of trenches at once, and administered invaluable assistance in stopping the bleeding and helping to get him down to the dressing station. Our own doctor came up as soon as possible, but they could do very little for him in the trenches.
Your son was conscious up to the time he left our hands, and he bore his sufferings with the greatest courage, so much so that we all felt sure he would survive his wound, and his death came as a great shock to us. I am sorry to say that he was not the only casualty through that bombardment; his companion on that post he occupied being also badly wounded.
He was buried yesterday afternoon in the local cemetery by the Church of England chaplain, and six of his more intimate comrades and myself laid him to rest. He lies side by side with many other brave fellows who have given their lives for their country and their friends.
With deepest and sincere sympathy,
Yours faithfully
Albert Buckley, Capt.
“A” Company, 5th King’s L’pool Regt.