Francis was born in Glasgow, Scotland on 3rd June 1897 - 5'4" tall with fair hair and grey eyes, Francis enlisted with the Royal Marine Light Infantry on 17th September 1914 aged 17, shortly after war was declared.
He left his job as a bookbinder, signed up in Glasgow and travelled to the Recruit Depot in Deal, Kent. He remained there for training until 3rd February 1915, was briefly stationed at Chatham Division (for 3 months) before embarking on 13th May 1915 to HMS VANGUARD, his only ship posting.
Francis remained on the ship for over 2 years, served during the Battle of Jutland and celebrated his 20th birthday a month before he was tragically killed.
His Star, Victory and British medals and pension were awarded to his brother after his death.
(#286 - 335/843)
Sources:
UK, Royal Marines Registers of Service Index, 1842-1925
CWGC Register
British Army and Navy Birth, Marriage and Death Records, 1730-1960 National Archives of the UK; Kew, Surrey, England; Admiralty: Naval Casualties, Indexes, War Grave Rolls and Statistics Book, First World War.; Class: ADM 242; Piece: 008 (1914 - 1919)
Naval Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1972 ADM 171; Piece: 168
Royal Navy and Royal Marine War Graves Roll, 1914-1919 TNA Series: ADM 242/8; Scan Number: 0625
Photo source - Evening Times 17th July 1917
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