Note: Although this photograph bears the imprint of British-based photographers A & G Taylor.
I believe that the Taylor's were did in fact the copyists of an earlier image originally taken in British India.
Cabinet Photograph
A & G Taylor - Copyists
British India/Great Britain
c. 1890s
Based upon the twenty-plus pages of his service records, the military career of Robert Charles Francis could be described as somewhat complicated. A long-serving soldier in an era of short service, Francis would take part in three wars/campaigns on three different continents during the reigns of three different sovereigns. He was the proud possessor of four good conduct stripes and had at least 14 entries in the regimental defaulters book. While all this might seem to be the makings of a good tale it is only a part of the whole story.
Born in July 1869 in Monkton Combe, Somersetshire England, Robert Charles Francis was one of five children born to Albert Francis and Eliza Bishop. Robert attested with the 1st Battalion, The Somersetshire Light Infantry (Prince Albert's) as private No 1934 at the age of 18 in March 1887. He would serve with the Somersets for just over 21 years with overseas postings that included Gibraltar, India, and South Africa.
While in India Francis saw action along the legendary North West Frontier, earning the 1895 India General Service Medal with the clasp “Punjab Frontier 1897-98” After a brief posting back in Great Britain, the Sommersets were deployed to South Africa and took part in the later stages of the Anglo-Boer War. Francis would be entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with the clasps “Transvaal”, “South Africa - 1901” and "South Africa - 1902”
Francis returned home in May 1903 and remained there until he was discharged upon the termination of his second term of engagement on 30 March 1908 after 21 years, 8 days with the colors. At the time of his discharge Francis was in possession of four good conduct stripes but these must have been hard won. His first entry in the Defaulter’s Book of overstaying a day pass by a number of hours. Other infractions followed at irregular intervals and included (often in multiple counts) being absent without leave, drunkenness, improperly dressed, not complying with orders, use of obscene language to a non-commissioned officer, drunk on parade, and drunk while on guard. This last offence was dated 3 March 1902
His medical history is also rather colorful with entries on his medical sheer dental cavities, enteric fever, a contusion to his head, three counts of infection of the social variety, sprains, rheumatism, etc. His service papers include transcripts from three official inquiries into the causes of separate incidents that resulted in bodily injury. In one case Francis was performing gymnastic exercises and after vaulting over a form missed the padded mattress and landed hard on the ground, badly injuring one of his toes. In a second case from 1905 Francis was riding the adjutant’s horse along a road when the beast was spooked by an approaching automobile. The horse reared, throwing Francis to the ground then fell on top of him injuring his leg. He was hospitalized for18 days.
According to the 1911 census, after his discharge Francis moved to Wales and found employment in the coal mines of Monmouthshire, With the outbreak of the Great War Francis reenlisted on 5 August 1914, this time attesting with the 3/Monmouthshire Regiment as private 5480/2918366. He served in France until 6 June 1917 when he was discharged due to having reached the mandatory age, Francis apparently took part in the 2nd Battle of Ypres where his battalion lost 703 officers and men killed and wounded. Initially presented with the silver war badge after he was discharged, he was also entitled to the 1914-15 Star, the British War and Victory Medals.
The exact sequence of Frances’ enlistments and discharges has been rather difficult to reconstruct. As noted above his first two terms of engagement with the Somersets began on 22 March 1887 and ended on. 30 March 1908. His WWI medal index card shows him enlisting with the 3/Monmouthshires on 5 August 1914 and being discharged as overaged on 28 July 1916. A stray statement of service page shows him reenlisting with the ⅔ Monmouths on 7 November 1916 and being discharged as being no longer fit for war service on 6 June 1917.
Francis appears in the 1921 census for shows him having returned his prewar trade ‘“underground collng labourer” and employed by John Lancaster & Co, He was admitted to Chelsea Hospital as an in-pensioner on 2 March 1928. Francis was apparently unmarried for his entire life. Where applicable, pertinent documentation lists Francis as single.
Nothing further regarding Francis has been uncovered as of this writing.