Frederick William Francis

Leading Stoker
Service no. C/KX 76734

Frederick's medals L to R: 1939-45 star; Atlantic Star; Burma Star; War Medal.
(Click to enlarge in a new window - 47Kb)
Picture by kind permission of Adrian Crotty

Frederick William Francis was born on the 7th July 1906.
He joined the Royal Navy at the age of 20 on 4th August 1926 - Service no. C/KX 76734. His service history is as follows:

18th March 1927 – 12th September 1928 H.M.S. CARLISLE.
Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd; 4,190 tons; 451½'×43½’×14½’; 40,000 s.h.p.; 29 knots; 5×6in, 2×3in, 8 T.T.

6th September 1929 – 17th April 1931 H.M.S. WOLFHOUND.
Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co Ltd.; 1,300 tons; 312'×29½’×10½’; 27,000 s.h.p.; 34knots; 4×4in, 1×3in, 6 T.T.

27th October 1931 – 13th June 1937 H.M.S. SUSSEX.
William Beardmore Co Ltd.; 9,750 tons; 633'×66’×17’; 80,000 s.h.p.; 32¼ knots; 8×8in, 4×4in, 8×2pdr, 8 T.T.

He was transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve on 4th August 1938 after serving for 12 years. (R.F.R. Service no. CH/B 24911).

31st July 1939 – 27th February 1942 H.M.S. ELECTRA.
R. & W. Hawthorn, Leslie & Co Ltd.; 1.360 tons; 329'×33¼’×8½’; 36,000 s.h.p.; 35 knots;, 4×4·7in, 8 T.T.

Francis was killed in action aboard HMS Electra when she was sunk on 27th February 1942.
Including his time in the Royal Fleet Reserve he had been 15 years in the 'Andrew' and was a true Navy man. He was 35 years old.

Please contact Andy (webmaster) with any information.

Andy Wade (Webmaster)

Information provided by
Adrian Crotty and CWGC