WILLIAM THOMAS FRANCIS

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG”: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Image from the Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury – 1917

Born: 4th October 1895, Ipswich.

Died: 27th April 1917; age 21; died of wounds resulting from an accident while on observation duty with his officer in Arras on the 12th April 1917 – Gun Shot Wound to the right leg and Haemorrhage from femoral artery, at the War Hospital, Warren Road, Guildford, Surrey.

Informant: Lt.-Col. Herbert A. Powell – officer in charge of War Hospital, Warren Road, Guildford.

Residence: The Liberal Club, Victoria Street, Ipswich.

Occupation: a Shop Assistant.

Enlistment Date: 27th November 1914; Location: Hammersmith, London.

Date of Entry Therein: 9th September 1915 – France.

Rank: Bombardier; Service Number: 46618

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery, ‘D’ Howitzer, 94th Brigade.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.

Laid to rest on the 2nd May 1917

Grave Reference:

BA.I.30.

Ipswich Old Cemetery,

Ipswich.

Relatives Notified & Address: Only son of Thomas William Francis & Elizabeth Jane Francis, of 37, Peel Street, Ipswich.

CENSUS

1901   Pump Street, Ipswich.

William was 5 years old and living with his parents & sister.

Thomas William Francis, 25, a Wallman, born Orford, Suffolk.

Elizabeth Jane Francis (nee Whitman), 26, born Ipswich.

Elsie Blanche Francis, 2, born Orford.

1911   22, James Street, Ipswich.

William was 15 years old, a Grocer’s Assistant. He was living with his parents & sister.

Thomas, 37, a Furniture Packer.

Elizabeth, 26.

Elsie, 12.

Soldiers’ Effects to Thomas W. Francis – father, Elizabeth J. Francis – mother, and Elsie Blanche Francis – sister.

A possible link to Northgate High School Memorial. Formerly Ipswich Grammar School for Boys.

 William’s grave at Ipswich Cemetery, photo taken as a postcard. (Please contact us if you are a family member)

Laid to rest on 2nd May.

Memorial card.

Royal Field Artillery, ‘D’ Howitzer, 94th Brigade: