William Francis

Early Life

William was born in Manchester and was the son of Joseph and Mary Ellen Francis of 35 Worsley Street, Hulme, Manchester.

Service Life

Private William Francis (32034) enlisted in Manchester and served with the 3rd Battalion of the Manchester Regiment.

William did not serve abroad and qualified for no campaign medals.

We Shall Remember Him

William was 19 years old when he was killed in an air raid on Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire on 1 April 1916.

During the raid, Zeppelin L22 scored a direct hit on the Baptist Chapel on Alexandra Road, which was serving as a temporary billet for members of the 3rd Battalion.

The raid resulted in the deaths of 31 soldiers. William is buried in Cleethorpes Cemetery. His Next of Kin Memorial Plaque is on display in the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in the Forshaw Gallery.