Military History

Francis is listed as being killed in action on 15 Oct 1915. The 64th Field Company was diary for the 14th, 15th & 16th are transcribed below and from them we have concluded that Francis was killed on the 14th laying barbed wire and not the 15th.

Dickebusch - 14.10.15 - 7.30am: 1 section work in billets, 1/2 section tunnelling at I d. GOC IX Division & C.E. V Corps inspected I d and for now that this Sup. Po. was to be cancelled & all work done by this company filled in and covered, this partly carried out on receipt of order by 1/2 section and completed that night by 1/2 section and 30 Entrenching Coy.

Night work as previous nights, 1 man killed [Francis?] wiring in front 27?

Dickebusch - 15.10.15 - 8am: 2 sections work in billets.

The 27th Inf Bde was relieved this day. two sections in occupation of Canal Dugouts returned to billets for rest line & work with plans handed over to OC 103 Coy RE.

While the Coy worked in the front line from 9.10.15 to 15.10.15 with working and carrying parties very difficult to obtain owing to shortage of Infantry. A Company 7 Pioneers was attached but there was only accomodation in dug outs for 1 platoon until they made other dug outs this platoon worked on Light Railway from 11.10.15 to 14.10.15 and 2 platoons on Communication trenches on 13.10.15 & 14.10.15.

Dickebusch - 16.10.15 - 7am: Two sections work on dugouts for 1/2 battalion at H.30

2 sections in Billets. END