Claude Burrowdal Lancaster was born in June 12th, 1878 in Plymouth, Devon. His parents were Thomas Burrowdal Lancaster and Martha Gaisford.

At the age of 23 he went to sea on board the R.M.S Majestic as an Assistant Purser, Claude Lancaster with his noted charm quickly proved himself and he was subsequently promoted to Purser on November 1901.

He went on to serve aboard the Germanic, Oceanic, Laurentic and subsequently the R.M.S Olympic as Assistant Purser and later with the departure of his superior, Hugh McElroy, he became Purser.
It was during this years that Claude Lancaster married Annie Alice Davis and they had two children; Rupert (1911) and Kenneth (1912)

Lancaster unexpectedly assumed the position of assistant Purser of the line when his senior died during the sinking of the Titanic. Before and after the war, Purser Lancaster, was noted for his charm and popularity.

It was noted that during the sinking of the Titanic, Lancaster prepared the Olympic to take the full complement of Titanic's passengers during a single night. He was very neatly organised and it was noted on a 1913 article that, quote: "There are passengers that only book passage to sail with Purser Lancaster."

After Britannic was requisitioned, Claude Lancaster as Flag Purser of the Line, was ordered to join the Britannic.

Mainly, he is in charge of the 302 members of the Victualling Departament; Stewards, Sea Scots,...
He is also responsible for all the crew wages and the exchange of currency onboard. He can be easily located on the Purser's Office on C Deck.