Private
Richard Lancaster
8372 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers 2nd 12 Bde 4 Div
Killed in Action 10th November 1914, aged 32
Lived at 41 Napier Street
Commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial, Belgium
Burnley Express 27/2/1915 (P)
93 years on, funeral of fallen
soldier (Burnley
Express 9/3/2007)
A fallen Burnley soldier will finally be laid to rest 93 years after he
was killed serving his country in the First World War.
Pte Richard Lancaster was cut down by enemy fire in November 1914, but
until last year his remains had never been found.
It was last April, though, that the Burnley Express revealed that Pte
Lancaster's body was found by amateur archaeologists in a field near Ploegsteert
Wood, Ypres, along with two other soldiers.
Now a date has been set for the Burnley hero's funeral - July 3rd this
year in Belgium, the country where he sacrificed his life for King and
country.
Dad of four Pte Lancaster lived in Napier Street with his wife, Mary,
and worked as a labourer. He was a former regular soldier called up as
a reservist into the 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers in 1914 and deployed
with the British Expeditionary Force.
The BEF became known as the "Old Contemptibles" and despite
being composed of 60% reservists it did well. Sadly, Pte Lancaster was
killed in a night attack in support of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders
on November 11th at Ploegsteert Wood. His dog tag, number 8372 was found
along with scabbard, ammunition pouches, toothbrushes, razor, fork and
spoon. Until the discovery, Pte Lancaster's name was consigned to the
record books and to a plaque on the Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing-
situated in Ypres (sic)
His great-grandson Mr Stephen Hoban of Killington Street, Burnley told
the Express of the family's surprise and pride last April when Pte Lancaster's
remains were discovered.
The East Lancashire Medal and Militaria Society is helping to organise
a trip to Belgium for the funeral. The trip runs from July 1st to July
6th and also includes the funerals of other fallen soldiers.
Several people from Burnley are planning to travel and anyone who needs
help in co-ordinating travel arrangements can call Coun. Denis Otter on
451342
