Military History

Francis is listed as being killed in action on 16th March 1917 and he was originally buried at map reference 62C.I.31.d.2.9 before his remains were moved to Assevillers in December 1920. Click here to map the original burial place. The Warwickshire Roll of Honour states that Francis was shot by a sniper. 

The 1st/5th Battalion war diary entries for the period 14th to 17th March are transcribed below.

Biaches – 14 Mar 1917: Battalion relieved the 1/6 R War R in the right sector

Biaches – 15 Mar 1917: Casualties = Wounded 2 OR’s

Biaches – 16 Mar 1917: Reinforcements received = 1 OR. Casualties = Killed 1 OR & Wounded 2 OR’s

Biaches – 17 Mar 1917: An attack was made by two Battalions of 145^th Brigade at 2.30am on Maisonette Farm and neighbouring trenches. Should this attack prove successful the 1/5 R War R in conjunction with the 1/7 R War R in their left were to seize & occupy the enemy from I.31.d.6.7 to I.31.b.7.5. The battalion was ordered to be in position for a zero hour of 4.50am & was forming up in English front line when operation order was cancelled.

The right Battalion of 145 Bde had attained its objective though the left had not yet done so. About 6am a report was received that the left Battalion 145 Bde being observed on the top, patrols were pushed over to the German line which was found to be deserted. 1 front line Coy and 1 Support Coy (A & D respectively) were thereupon moved over & German support lines occupied. Patrols from A Coy  were pushed forward during theis move & occupied old German trench from I.32.c.8.6 to I.32.b.15.15. Patrols were again pushed on as far as I.33.C.6.5 and I.32.d.8.2 as soon as D Coy had taken over trench I.32.c.8.6 to I.32.b.15.15. Patrols came into contact with enemy patrols about I.32.d.8.2

Casualites – Wounded 2/Lt’s D.J. Parry & H.L. Harcourt (since died) and 2 OR’s.