Francis received his medical education at Trinity College, Dublin, qualifying M.B., B.Ch. in 1881. He joined the Medical Services at the rank of Surgeon Captain on 4th February 1882, then began service in Egypt the same year. From 1884 to 1885 he served in Soudan. In 1888 he took a diploma in public health [D.P.H.]. On 4th February 1894 he gained promotion to the rank of Surgeon Major, then gained further promotion to Lieutenant Colonel on 4th February 1902 and Colonel on 12th May 1911. At the out break of war, he was appointed as Assistant Director of Medical Services (2nd Army) in the Central Force for defensive and offensive operations in the event of an invasion. He gained further promoted to the rank of Surgeon- General on the 1st March 1915.