260421 Farr. Francis William Daniels British Army 40th Division Ammunition Column Royal Field Artillery Francis Daniels was my grandfather, who was born in 1897. As a boy, he was sent by his father into a 'Sea Training' organization. I have a photo of him, probably from around 1912, with the Royal Navy cap tally for HMS Pembroke (Chatham Dockyard).
I have a record showing my grandfather’s wartime service on HMS Vienna and HMS Baralong (a letter from his Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. Godfrey Herbert dated 1924 supporting his application for the 1914-1915 Star). After the 'Baralong Incident' (which was considered by some to have been a war crime), he left the Royal Navy and shortly thereafter re-enlisted in the Royal Field Artillery as a farrier. I have a photograph dated 1916 titled '40th Div. Ammun. Column' showing all the 'lads' with him in a 'formal pose' and showing all ranks.
At the conclusion of the war he de-mobbed, but unable to find reliable work, he re-enlisted and was posted to India (Kerkee, India) where he was to serve for nearly 3 years before ending his association with the military.
He died in March 1981 in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
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