Francis Joseph Hand

Died of Wounds on the 08/03/1915 at the No.4 Field Hospital

The Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 14/08/1914 and were part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. One of the first British formations to move to France, the 2nd Division remained on the Western Front throughout the war. Francis arrived in France on the 23/11/1914. In late January and early February 1915, German and British troops including the 2nd Battalion conducted raids and local attacks in the Affairs of Cuinchy, which took place at Givenchy-lès-la-Bassée and just south of La Bassée Canal, leaving the front line little changed. The 2nd Division relieved the 1st Division on the 4th of February. SEE PHOTOS x 12 FOR THE 2nd BATTALION HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY WAR DIARY FEBRUARY - MARCH 1915. Francis is also remembered on the St. Mary's Church Roll of Honour (see Newspaper clipping). See photos for Francis' Medal Index Card, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Headstone Report, Francis' Pension Records x 3, Bethune Town Cemetery, another photo of Francis' Grave, 2 photos of a Poppy Cross placed at Francis' Grave by myself in July 2023 and the Highland Light Infantry Cap Badge. Finally. SEE PHOTOS x 30 FOR THE 2nd DIVISION BOOK NOVEMBER - MARCH 1915, photos x 12 for the 2nd Division Order of Battle (the Division Francis was with when he was wounded), 2 photos of a Poppy Cross placed at Francis' Grave by myself in July 2023 (also the main photo), 8 Poppy Crosses placed by myself at Bethune Town Cemetery before I left for France July 2023 and a Newspaper clippings from the Coatbridge Express 20/01/1915 (St. Mary's Catholic Church Roll of Honour).