Pte 26586 Edward Francis

Edward Francis was born in Liverpool in 1896 the son of Liverpool born parents Edward and Alice (née Flanigan) who were married on the 12th February 1888 at St Jude’s Church, Low Hill. Edward was a widowed stevedore of 25 Prescot Road, father William a stevedore, whilst Alice was of 32 Low Hill, father William a foreman. Their first child, William, was baptised on the 26th April 1888 at St Jude’s but died shortly afterwards. 

His father’s first marriage was to Mary Ann Jones and they were married on Christmas Day 1878 at St Peter’s Church, both living on Anson Place. 

On the 1881 Census they are living at 41 Gaerwen Street, where Edward is a 27 year old foreman for a Salt Merchant, and Mary is aged 26.

Mary sadly died, aged 32, in 1887. 

On the 1901 Census the family are living on Forefield Lane, Crosby. His father, Edward, is aged 47, a general labourer, mother Alice is 34, and Edward is 4 years old. 

On the 1911 Census the family have moved to 64 Cedar Road, Aintree. His father, Edward, is aged 57, a warehouseman, mother Alice is 44 years of age. They have been married for 23 years and have had 2 children, 1 of whom has survived. Edward is 14 years old and is a messenger for a ship owners. 

His mother died aged on the 12th March 1915 

Her death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on Saturday 13 March 1915: 

FRANCIS - March 12 at 64 Cedar Road, Aintree, Alice, beloved wife of Edward Francis. (Funeral arrangements later.) 

Edward enlisted in Liverpool as Private 26586, joining the 19th (Pals) Battalion of The King’s Liverpool Regiment. 

As his service record has not survived the exact details are not known, but he was wounded on the 31st July 1917 on the first day of the Third Battle of Ypres, better known as Passchendaele. 

The 19th Battalion started the day in Divisional Reserve but were called forward in the early morning of 31st July and reached Maple Copse in late afternoon. It was originally detailed to continue with the morning’s attack but this was cancelled and they eventually relieved a Battalion of the 53rd Brigade in the newly captured line, sustaining casualties from shell fire. 

The Battalion was relieved on the night of 03rd/4th August. 

Although not actively engaged in the assault the Battalion lost 26 men killed or died of wounds with four officers and 101 men wounded.   

He was returned to England but sadly succumbed to his wounds on the 31st of October 1917 at St George’s Hospital, London. The family had his body returned to Liverpool and he was buried on the 03rd November 1917 at Kirkdale Cemetery in grave X.C.E.89., where he now rests.

There are 519 First World War burials in the Cemetery. 

Edward's death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on Friday 02 November 1917: 

FRANCIS – October 31 in a London Hospital (wounded July 31), in his 21st year, Edward (Private K.L.R.), only son of Edward and the late Alice Francis, 64 Cedar Road, Aintree. A life nobly given for his country, Military funeral leaves Cedar Road, tomorrow (Saturday) 3rd inst. at 2pm. (Friends kindly accept this -the only- intimation.) 

Family notices were placed in the Liverpool Echo on Monday 05 November 1917: 

FRANCIS – In loving memory of Eddie who died of wounds, October 31, 1917. Fondly remembered by his Uncle and Aunt and his cousin Agnes at 54 Malvern Road, Liverpool. 

Edward earned his two medals, the British War Medal and Victory Medal. He did not serve overseas until 1916. 

His outstanding pay of around £15 was sent to his father and he received a pension of 7/- pw. The war gratuity of £11 was later split between the two beneficiaries in his father’s probate. 

On the anniversary of his death a notice was placed in the Liverpool Echo on Thursday 31 October 1918: 

FRANCIS - In sad but loving memory of my dear son, EDWARD, K.L.R., who died in King George Hospital, London on October 31, 1917 from wounds received in action on July 31 at Ypres. Fondly remembered by Dad, 64 Cedar Road, Aintree. 

His father died at home, aged 66, on the 27th February 1919. 

His death was reported in the Liverpool Echo on Saturday 01 March 1919: 

FRANCIS – February 27 at 64 Cedar Road, Aintree, EDWARD (Ted), beloved husband of the late Alice Francis and father of the late Private Eddy Francis (Pals). interment at Kirkdale Cemetery, Longmoor Lane, Tuesday next 4th inst at 3 p.m. (Will friends please accept this -the only- intimation.) 

Probate of his father's estate was granted in Liverpool on 01st April 1919:- 

FRANCIS Edward of 64 Cedar Road, Aintree Liverpool warehouseman died 27 February 1919 Probate Liverpool 1 April to William John Daniel freight manager and Richard John Wright salesman. Effects £542 2s 8d. 

The family grave headstone reads:- 

In Loving Memory of  

EDWARD  

The Beloved Son of Edward and the Late Alice Francis. 

Wounded at Ypres, 31st July  

And Died 31st October 1917  

Aged 21 Years. 

He Rose Responsive to His Country's Call  

And Left His Tasks, His Gains, His All. 

From His Labours Now He Rests  

In God's Eternal Glory Blest. 

Also EDWARD FRANCIS  

Father Of The Above  

Who Died Feb 27th 1919  

Aged 66 Years. 

Family headstone photograph courtesy of PJR on Findagrave.com.

We currently have no further information on Edward Francis, if you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.