Military History

Francis is listed as being killed in action during the Battle of Albert on 3rd July 1916. The 2nd Battalion war diary for that day is transcribed below.

E of Martinsart - 3 Jul 1916: Battn arrived in position about 1.30 a.m. Heavy artillery fire still proceeding. About 6.15am the attack was launched. The attack by the Battn extended over a frontage of about 250 yards, with a depth of about 600 yards, this being the third line of enemy's front system. Map ref:- France sheet 57DSE, R31a & b.

Three Company’s D, C & A left our parapet in succession at 6.15am. B Coy remaining in reserve.

About 7am it was apparent that the first line of enemy trenches had been entered with slight opposition, but our front line trenches were being heavily shelled by enemy’

At 8.40am it was apparent that own attack, generally, had broken down and at 9.30am the Commanding Officer made a report on the situation as follows:-

“The attack is unsuccessful and we hold no part of the enemy’s line. The attack was made on a frontage of two platoons, D Coy leading. This company entered the enemies trenches in good style but was subsequently held up by machine gun fire. All the Officers of this Coy are missing – one known killed as he left parapet. The Coy appears to have been exterminated. Practically all are missing.

Of the second company to advance I can only now account for approximately one officer, three NCO’s and about 25 men. They were apparently held up by Machine Gun fire.

Of the third company I can now only account for one officer, one Sergeant and 30 men.

I am in touch with 8^th South Lancashires on my left and 8^th Borders on my right in front line. At the moment I have no men in reserve or support. Am reorganising front line and holding it in usual manner.

One Platoon of 8^th South Lancashires got mixed up with my attack and went over the parapet with my second Coy. This Platoon lost its officer, 2/Lt Peacock who was seen to fall and only four men of the platoon are now accounted for. Please issue instructions as to support for my front line.

Officer commanding my leading Coy, Capt. Whitaker, has just crawled back badly wounded – also two men.

Attack by Battalion on my right also failed. Two Coys got in but were reported bombed back” (Report ends)

Our attacking Coys certainly got into the enemy’s trenches but were unable to establish themselves there. What happened is uncertain but Machine Gun fire was very severe, in addition to which enemy’s shelling was heavy so that remnants of Coys were obliged to return to our trenches.

At 2pm the following casualty report was submitted to Brigade HQ.

Killed: 4 Officers; Wounded and Missing 1 Officer; Wounded 4 Officers; Missing 3 Officers; Wounded but at duty 2 Officers [Names are given but not transcribed]

The total estimated casualties amongst other ranks of the Battalion was 300. Throughout the whole day enemy shelled our front line and at frequent intervals it was enfiladed with shrapnel from the north.

During the evening the Battalion was withdrawn to support and a supply of water, ammunition and bombs was taken forward by Battn transport after dark.