Ernest Lionel Lucas was the son of Alfred and Emily Lucas. Ernest was born in London in July 1886, Ernest enlisted at Chester in October 1904. His terms of service were 7 + 5 (i.e. 7 years active service + 5 years reserve). He was posted to the 1st Battalion in Ireland in December 1907. He was billeted at Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry. Ernest married Catherine Hughes in Belfast on 22 October 1911 and they had two children. He and his family set up home at Mullaghbane, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, Ireland. He entered France on 16th August 1914 and was reported missing on 24 August.
Further Information
Ernest Lionel Lucas was born at 1 Albert Road, New Barnet, London in July 1886, the third child of Alfred (a labourer) and Emily.
Known family: Alfred Lucas, Emily Lucas, Alfred Lucas, Elsie Lucas, Ernest Lionel Lucas (born about 1886), Sidney Lucas, Edith Lucas, Ada Lucas, Kate Lucas.
By 1914 the family were living at 30 New Trinity Road, East Finchley, London.
At the time of his enlistment in 1904 he was employed as a nurseryman. He was 5' 6" tall (1.68 m.), weighed 129 lbs. (9 st. 3 lbs.) had a 'fresh' complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was also 'slightly knock-kneed'!
Ernest enlisted (aged 18 yrs. 3 months) at Chester on 7th October 1904. His terms of service were 7 + 5 (i.e. 7 years active service + 5 years reserve). He was posted to the 1st Battalion in Ireland as a Sergeant's Mess Cook on 5 December 1907. He was billeted at Ebrington Barracks, Londonderry. He was twice promoted to Lance Corporal, on 5th September 1908 and 14th October 1911.
John married Catherine Hughes in Belfast on 22nd October 1911. They had two children
Family: Ernest Lionel Lucas, Catherine Lucas, Kathleen Lucas (born 24th March 1913, Londonderry), Ernest Lucas (born 19th June 1914, Ballygawley).
The 1st Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment were stationed in Derry in July 1914.
He was due to be transferred to the Auxiliary Reserve on 6th October 1914 and be employed as a postman in Belfast. He and his family had set up home at Mullaghbane, Ballygawley, County Tyrone.
His record shows he had gained 1 Good Conduct badge and a 2nd Class School Certificate. He was "very intelligent and reliable". Despite this he had been on charge 3 times: (1) Drunk on duty (12 Sept. 1909); (2) Neglect of duty (7 March 1910), and (3) Making an improper reply to an Officer (3 May 1912). For the last two offences he lost his Lance Corporal stripe on each occasion. For a fourth offence (9 April 1914), 'being in receipt of a watch, not his own', he received 8 days CB.
Private Ernest Lucas arrived in France with the Cheshire Regiment on 16th August 1914.
Private Ernest Lucas was reported missing on 24th August following the action at Audregnies where he fought on the left of the line under Captain Dyer.
Evidence of his death in the form of an identity tag was received by his Warrant Officer from "an unofficial source". He was entered on Casualty List 14042 (Part III). In total, including his 9 days with the BEF, he had served 6 years 322 days with the regiment.
From the Belfast Newsletter dated 29rd July 1915:
Mrs L Lucas, Mullaghbane, Ballygawley, has learned officially that her husband, Private Ernest Lionel Lucas (8649), 1st Cheshire Regiment, has been missing since the retreat from Mons. Any information regarding him will be thankfully received.
From the Tyrone Courier dated 5th August 1915
Mrs L Lucas, Mullaghbane, Ballygawley, has learned officially that her husband, Private Ernest Lionel Lucas (8649), 1st Cheshire Regiment, has been missing since the retreat from Mons. Any information regarding him will be thankfully received.
Private Ernest Lucas is listed on page 8 of the Ballygawley War Dead book.
