WILLIAM THOMAS FRANCIS RN

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.

Born: 21st December 1889, Rushmere St. Andrew, Suffolk.

Died: 31st May 1916; age 26; KiA at the Battle of Jutland.

Occupation: Electrician – Fitter.

Enlistment: Location: Portsmouth. Signed up for period of hostilities. Height: 5ft 8ins, fresh complexion, blue eyes & brown hair.

Service:

Vernon – Wireman 2nd Class – 13th October 1914 – 17th October 1914

Victory II – Wireman 2nd Class – 18th October 1914 – 30th October 1914

Invincible – Wireman 2nd Class – 31st October 1914

Invincible – Wireman 2nd Class – 1st October 1915

Invincible – Wireman 1st Class – 1st January 1916 – 31st May 1916

Rank: Wireman 1st Class; Service Number: M/9999;

Regiment: Royal Navy, H.M.S. ‘Invincible’

Memorial Reference:

20.

Portsmouth Naval Memorial,

Hampshire.

Relatives Notified & Address: Son of William & Gertrude Melnotte Francis & brother of Arthur L. Francis, of ‘Annadale’ 103, Rushmere Road, Ipswich.

CENSUS

1891   School House, Rushmere St. Andrew, Suffolk.

William was a year old and living with his parents, sisters & paternal grandmother.

William Francis, 31, a School Master, born Carlton, Bedfordshire.

Gertrude Melnotte Francis (nee Smeed), 36, a School Mistress, born Faversham, Kent.

Gertrude Ethel Francis, 6, born Rushmere St. Andrew.

Ida Eleanor Francis, 4, born Rushmere St. Andrew.

Mary Ann Francis, 67, a widow, born South Cerney, Gloucestershire.

1901   School House, Rushmere St. Andrew, Suffolk.

William was 11 years old and living with his parents, siblings & paternal grandmother.

William, 41, a School Master.

Gertrude, 45, a School Mistress.

Gertrude, 16, a Pupil Teacher.

Ida, 14.

Arthur Leslie Francis, 7, born Rushmere St. Andrew.

Mary, 77.

1911   Union Workhouse, Woodbridge Road, Rushmere St. Andrew, Suffolk.

William was 21 years old, an Officer – Engineer, at the Union Workhouse.

William is also remembered on the war memorial at Rushmere St. Andrew, Suffolk and on a cenotaph erected in St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Rushmere St. Andrew, Suffolk.

 the Battle of Jutland:

http://www.northeastmedals.co.uk/britishguide/jutland/hms_invincible_casualty_list_1916.htm

H.M.S. ‘Invincible’

 http://www.naval-history.net/OWShips-WW1-02-HMS_Invincible.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Invincible_(1907)