James Norman Lancaster was the son of William James Lancaster, a Birmingham camera manufacturer.
The school holds a collection of his letters home from Gallipoli, together with a significant number of sympathy letters sent to his family following his death. They include a letter from the then editor of the Birmingham Mail.
James Norman Lancaster’s letter to his siblings, June 21, 1915:
Dear kids,
Have ordered a cycle to be sent you and it will arrive in about a week’s time, three speed, back pedalling and BSA, and all sorts.
Sort of birthday present for all of you. Don’t let it get rusty first week. Uncle Cornie will tell you how to change gears.
All you have to do is pull the lever to next notch at the same time ease pedalling.
Good luck to all,
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Yours’
Jimmie
Letter of sympathy from the Editor of the Birmingham Daily Mail, August 18 1915
Dear Mr Lancaster,
I was sorry to hear yesterday that you were among the many bereaved by this tragic war. You will be receiving many messages of sympathy I am sure. I hope you will accept my wife’s and my own among them.
Mingled with your sorrow, there must be a sense of pride that your boy did the right thing, played a man’s part and gave up everything for his country.
The Gallipoli fighting seems to be the worst and most deadly of all. It has seen probably more brave deeds than Britishers have ever done in any campaign in our history. And where the damage is greater the honour is greater too.
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With sincerest sympathy to you all,
H.F. Harvey