FRANCIS, Kenneth David

Rank: 
Lieutenant
Unit / Base: 
3 Commando Bde. Air Squadron
Regiment/Corps: 
Royal Marines
Service: 
Royal Navy
Number: 
N023442U
Born: 
Wednesday, September 24, 1952
Died : 
Friday, May 21, 1982
Killed in action or died of wounds
Age: 
29
Cemetery/Memorial: 
Local Roll of Honour: 
Lieutenant Kenneth Francis, BA, RM, died when his helicopter was shot down in the Falklands. Also killed were LCpl. Brett Giffin and Mne. Andrew Evans. 
 Extract from the Globe and Laurel 
"Lt. Ken Francis was commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1976, having previously achieved an honours degree in law at the University of Kent. He achieved the distinction of winning the Sword of Honour during Young Officer training.
His first appointment was to 41 Commando, where he served until 1981, initially as a Rifle Troop Commander, then as Anti-Tank Troop Commander, and finally as Company Second in Command. During this time he served two Northern Ireland tours and a United Nations Peacekeeping tour in Cyprus. In 1981 he became a General List Officer. 
In 1982 Ken successfully gained His pilots wings at the Army Air Corps Centre, Middle Wallop, and joined 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron in February 1982. He was killed in action, while flying during the initial assault landings on the Falkland Islands on 21 May 1982. 
Ken will be remembered by us his friends and colleagues. for his ability always to achieve very high standards in whatever he did.  Our very deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Jan for this sad loss to us all."
 
Sources
AFM ROH.
Globe and Laurel issue Jul-Aug 1982.
 
Primary Roll of Honour: 

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