WILLIAM CHARLES 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 1917 Suffolk Chronicle and Mercury newspaper.

CHARLIE

Born: 1887, Ipswich.

Died: 19th January 1916; Age: 29; KiA.

Enlistment Location: West Hartlepool, Durham.

Date of Entry Therein: 29th June 1915 – France.

Rank: Private; Service Number: 3/9999.

Regiment: Durham Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion.

Medals Awarded: Victory, British War & 1915 Star.

Grave Reference:

F.2.

Potijze Burial Ground Cemetery,

West-Vlaanderen,

Belgium.

William was killed at the same time as 29 year old, Private John Keen Bell, service number 22084, also of the Durham Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion. John was born in Chollerton, Northumberland, the son of Joseph, a quarryman at Freeston Quarry, and Jane Bell, of Wheatholme, Haltwhistle. John, a coal miner-putter underground was married to Annie Jane Robson and had one daughter Evelyne, of Tyne Green, Hexham.

Relatives Notified and Address: Son of Mrs. Emma Sutton, of 65 Hampton Road, All Saints, Ipswich, and the late William J. Francis.

CENSUS

1891   12, Beaconsfield Road, Ipswich.

William was 4 years old and living with his parents.

William James Francis, 44, a Labourer on Railway Permanent Way, born Woolwich, London.

Emma Francis (nee Page), 38, born Scole, Norfolk.

1901   65, Hampton Road, Ipswich.

William was 14 years old and living with his widowed mother & stepsister.

Emma, 48, a Laundress – own account – at home.

Violet Grace Francis, 3, born Ipswich.

1 lodger.

1911   Longlands Farm, Over Silton, North Allerton, Yorkshire.

William was 24 years old, a Horseman. He was 1 of 2 servants for 55 year old, John Tyerman, a Farmer – employer.

William’s father, William James Francis died 1892, Ipswich.

Soldiers’ Effects to Emma Sutton – mother.

Durham Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion: