Francis lived in Sutton, near Howth, Co. Dublin, and was employed as an assistant caretaker by 1911. He was 21 years old when he enlisted into the R.A.M.C. in 1914, and after his training he was posted to serve with the 29th Division Motor Ambulance Workshop. He entered the war in Alexandria, Egypt on the 29th May 1915 and served on the Eastern Front until he became part of a candre bound for France to reform the unit there. During this time, he received a promotion to Corporal. His unit arrived at Marseilles in mid-March 1916, just east of Pont Remy in the Somme region. In June 1917, Francis either applied for a transfer or was attached to the Heavy Branch Machine Gun Corps, later to be called G (7th) Battalion Tank Corps. He was a Sergeant at this stage, with a new regimental number (95328). Once the war was over, the demobilization of troops began and Francis was to leave the army between February and March 1919. It would have been in the early 1920s when Francis married his wife, Mary, and began their life together in Barn Hill, Howth, Co. Dublin. They had eight children: Maura, Josie, Valentine, Francis, Kathleen, Paschal, Joan, and Gabrielle. For an occupation, Francis became a tram driver on the hill of Howth for a number of years. He was also very handy, always helping out with plumbing and building for his family. Francis was the youngest son of Valentine and Anne Flood. [Information and photograph kindly provided by Francis's family, courtesy of Croonaert Research Services]