Francis Adrian
- Admin
- Feb 7, 2021
- 1 min read
Updated: Sep 13
24217 Corporal
Royal Garrison Artillery, 1st Siege Battery
Age: 30
Date of Death: Killed in action 27.9.17
Buried: The Huts Cemetery VII.D.14
Family history: Son of Francis and Catherine Loughin Adrian, 42 Grange View Terrace, Stenhousemuir.
He had been a regular for 11 years and was on the Reserve list and employed as an iron dresser at Callendar Iron Works when war was declared and immediately re-enlisted. He landed in France on 17 September 1914. The 1st Siege Battery saw action at Mons, Marne, Aisne, First Ypres. The Siege Batteries were employed behind the front line and their role was to destroy enemy artillery, supply routes, railways and stores and putting down fire on strong points. They were equipped with Howitzer guns firing large calibre 6, 8, or 9.2inch shells in a high trajectory. Some batteries were also equipped with huge 12 inch railway or road mounted howitzers.
The action leading to his death
The battery was engaged in the Third Battle of Ypres in September 1917. They were employed in the British offensive with their gun positions located around Zillebeke - Birr Cross Roads area. Francis Adrian and two other members of the gun crew were killed by an exploding shell. It is likely from German counter battery fire. All three are buried in The Huts Cemetery.
Medals Awarded:
1914 Star with Clasp, The British War Medal, Victory Medal
Headstone
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