Military History

Francis is listed as being killed in action on 5th December 1917 when the Battalion were in the line near Passchendaele. The 2nd Battalion war diary entries for the period 29th November to 7th December are transcribed below. No mention of casualties is made.

Seine Farm – Nov 29^th 1917: Battalion moved into Right Support in Seine Farm, Started at 5.30pm. Relief complete 8pm.

Seine Farm – Nov 30^th 1917: Battalion relieved 20^th Fusiliers in Right Subsector of Passchendaele. A & C Coys front line, D Coy in Support, B in reserve & Bn HQ at Hamburg.

Passchendaele Sector – Dec 1^st 1917: Battalion in the line

Passchendaele Sector – Dec 2^nd 1917: Battalion in the line

Passchendaele Sector – Dec 3^rd 1917: Battalion was relieved in the line by the 9^th H.L.I. Battalion moved back to Right Support relieving the 2/9 Manchesters at Darling Crossing.

Passchendaele Sector – Dec 4^th 1917: Battalion in support

Passchendaele Sector – Dec 5^th 1917: Battalion was relieved in support by the 4^th Suffolks. On completion of relief Battalion moved back down Mule Track and Zonnebeke Road to St-Jean Camp at St-Jean

St. Jean – Dec 6^th 1917: Battalion entrained at St. Jean Station for Brandhoek from there marched to St. Lawrence Camp.

St. Lawrence Camp - Dec 7^th 1917: Day spent in general cleaning up of clothing, equipment and the camp.