TOPIC:

Lancaster of the A&S Highlanders 8 years 11 months ago #44464

Rory
Topic Author
Offline
Senior Member
Posts: 3439
Thank you received: 2272

Robert Lancaster

Private, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders – Anglo Boer War

- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State & Transvaal to 2350 Pte. R. Lancaster, A&S Highrs. (with ghost dates)

Robert Renfrew Lancaster was born in Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland on 2 January 1869 the son of John Lancaster, a Bricklayer, and his wife Jane (born Renfrew and otherwise known as Jeanie).

Our first glimpse of Robert came with the 1871 Scotland census where, at the age of 2, he was at home in 22 St. Lawrence Street, Greenock with his parents and older siblings Jane (15), John (11) and Margaret (7). As a sign of how the family’s finances were situated young Jane was already employed as a Domestic Servant.

Ten years later during the 1881 Scotland census Robert, now 12, was still at home. The domestic situation had changed however in that his mother had passed away to be replaced by step-mother Maggie. Other children still under the same roof were Maggie (17), Alexander (9) and Mary (7). The family had also moved to 23 Ingleston Street in Greenock.

On 11 September 1886 an 18 year old Lancaster completed the Attestation forms for Short Service at Stirling Castle for enrolment in the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. A Labourer by occupation he had no previous Militia service and was physically 5 feet 5 ½ inches in height with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair. He sported a tattoo with the letter B and J around an anchor on his left forearm by way of distinguishing characteristics.

Having been found Fit by the Doctor he was assigned no. 2350 and, with the rank of Private, was posted to the 2nd Battalion. On 9 September 1890 he was treated for a wound on his hand and it was on the very same day that he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal only to revert to the rank of Private at his own request on 22 April 1891. It was in that year that he and his Battalion were posted to India where he was to serve from 25 November 1891 until 26 March 1894 before returning home to the United Kingdom after 2 years and 128 days service.

Within the space of a week of his return Lancaster was placed on the Army Reserve with effect from 1 April 1894. On 21 May 1898 he was re-engaged with the Regiment and was with them on 12 October 1899 when the Anglo Boer war broke out. As part of the 2nd Battalion Robertson arrived in South Africa on 10 February 1900, sadly after the epic battle of Modder River and too late for the Paardeberg battle. He did however see service in the Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal earning these clasps to go with the Queens South Africa Medal.

After 2 years and 181 days in South Africa Lancaster returned to England on 9 August 1902 only to be discharged, time expired, a month later on 10 September 1902. He was also issued with the Kings South Africa Medal (whereabouts unknown) with the standard two date clasps.

Attachments:

The following user(s) said Thank You: BereniceUK

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Lancaster of the A&S Highlanders 8 years 11 months ago #44465

capepolice Offline Senior Member Posts: 1097 Thank you received: 433	Rory, "Ghost Dates" rather than raised dates I would say. Cheers Part time researcher of the Cape Police and C.P.G Regiment.
	Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Lancaster of the A&S Highlanders 8 years 11 months ago #44468

QSAMIKE Offline Senior Member Posts: 5831 Thank you received: 1925	Hi Rory...... Yes this is a fantastic example of ghost dates or I should say yours....... Mike Life Member Past-President Calgary Military Historical Society O.M.R.S. 1591 Attachments:
	Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Lancaster of the A&S Highlanders 8 years 11 months ago #44473

Rory Topic Author Offline Senior Member Posts: 3439 Thank you received: 2272	Thanks chaps Just checking to see if you are reading my posts Adrian Regards Rory
	Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Lancaster of the A&S Highlanders 8 years 11 months ago #44476

capepolice Offline Senior Member Posts: 1097 Thank you received: 433	Part time researcher of the Cape Police and C.P.G Regiment.
	Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.