The Fallen

Charles H Francis 1899 – 1918

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0001http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/443847/FRANCIS,%20CHARLES%20HENRY

York & Lancaster regimental Badge
York & Lancaster regimental Badge
Charles had previously served with the Sherwood
Foresters, Notts and Derby Regiment Pte 89354, enlisting on 30th June 1917. Charles service papers have survived but are under the name of Henry Charles Francis. Charles was posted to the 14th Battalion Notts & Derby on 4th July 1917. 1918 saw Charles transfer on the 18th June to the newly formed 18th Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment. On the 3rd July Charles left England from Folkstone and landed at Boulogne. Charles had only been with them in France for just over 3 months.

 

Charles Henry Francis
Charles Henry Francis Buxton Advertiser 2nd November 1918

http://buxtonwarmemorials.mrallsophistory.com/francis_ch.html

Born: 6th April 1899 Walsall Staffordshire, Charles was baptised at St Georges on 3rd May 1899. The son of Charles Henry & Emma Francis. Charles Snr was a Porter on London North Western Railways which is probably why the family moved to Buxton.
1901 Census: Living @ 1 Oakland Cottages, Fairfield aged 2 yrs.
1911 Census: Aged 12yrs @ School.

1911 Census
1911 Census

1917: Enlisted as Henry Charles Francis
Occupation: Fishmonger
Address: 5 Hogshaw Villas, Lightwood Road, the home Charles left to go to War.

5 Hogshaw Villas off Lightwood Road 2014 the home Charles left to go to War

The Buxton Advertiser 2nd November 1918 had reported Charles death the week before however they had been supplied with the photograph and added the following:- Writing to the relatives the Captain of his company says:- “He was with the others occupying an advanced post, when a Bosch shell landed amongst them, killing four and wounding one. Your son was unfortunately amongst the killed. The poor fellow suffered no pain, as he was killed instantaneously. Your son was always such a brave lad and cheerful in the most trying circumstances. His platoon officer thought a great deal of him and always had a good word to say for him. The loss of him and the others has cast gloom over the whole of my company, and we all officers, NCO’s and men offer you our most sincere and deepest sympathy in your great loss. The body was brought in last night with others to my headquarters, and tonight I shall send him down the line, where he will have a good burial. 

Kandahar Farm Cemetery Plot 11.J.2.

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