| Francis | Sidney Goodall | | Lieutenant | FRANCIS, SIDNEY GOODALL, Lieutenant, was born 24 December 1874, son of Charles Francis, of Melbourne. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant (from the Local Military Forces of Victoria) in the West Yorkshire Regiment 28 December 1895, and became Lieutenant 4 January 1899. He served in the South African War from 1899 to 1902, taking part in operations in Natal, 1899; the Relief of Ladysmith, including action at Colenso, operations of 17 to 24 January 1900, and action at Spion Kop; operations of 5 and 7 February 1900, and action at Vaal Kranz; operations on Tugela Heights (14 to 27 February 1900), and action at Pieter's Hill; operations in Natal, March to June, 1900, including action at Laing's Nek (6 and 9 June); operations in the Transvaal, east and west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February and 10 September 1901]; received the Queen's Modal with five clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "Sidney Goodall Francis, Lieutenant, West Yorkshire Regiment. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". The Insignia, Warrant and Statutes were sent to the GOC, Natal, 3 February 1903; presented by the OC, 4th Mounted Infantry, 29 March, 1903, at Middelburg. He became Captain 18 April 1904, and was again on active service on the North-West Frontier of India in 1908, serving in the Mohmand Country, for which he had the Medal and clasp. He served in the European War from 1914 to 1918, attaining his Majority 1 September 1915, and was employed with the 16th Division as GSO3, October 1915 to February 1916; was Temporary Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 7th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles, February 1916 to October 1917, then becoming CO of the 111th Infantry Brigade. He was promoted Brevet Lieutenant Colonel 1 January 1917, and was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. He was made Brevet Colonel 1 January 1919, and was mentioned in Despatches. Colonel Francis married, in 1916, Catherine Gwendoline, youngest daughter of W B Lowry, Lee-on-the-Solent, and they had one son.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | (Prince of Wales's Own) West Yorkshire Regiment |
