John William Lancaster born 1887 in Durham City, a coal miner and later a grocer, enlisted September 29th 1914 in Chester Le Street and was assigned as Private to the Durham Light Infantry joining the Battalion in Newcastle upon Tyne the following day. October 5th 1914 he was transferred to “B” Coy 8th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment as Private 17094, undergoing training at Hatton Park, Buckinghamshire. He was sent to France as part of the British Expeditionary Force attached to the 21st Division, September 8th 1915. The 8th Battalion along with the division took part in the attack at Loos on September 25th fighting in the south east corner of Loos village, the battle raged until October 15th 1915. During this battle Charles was wounded in the thigh, his condition was considered to be dangerous and he was sent back to England for treatment October 16th 1915. His wound healed well but whilst convalescing he had, at intervals, 3 epileptic fits. The medical board investigating his case was informed that these fits began in 1911 and that during his training he had had 5-6 fits before being posted to France. Although there was no history of epilepsy in his family it was concluded that his condition was permanent.

The decision was taken January 18th 1916 that he be discharged as no longer physically fit for further war service. Private 17094 John William Lancaster was officially discharged January 28th 1916, he was 29 years old. He was awarded a pension, the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

His three brothers ArthurCharles and James were all killed in the 1914-18 conflict.