2nd Lt. FRANCIS BERESFORD MONCREIFF
ROYAL SCOTS
1883 – 1928
Francis was the second son, from the second marriage of the Hon. Francis J Moncreife and Mildred FitzHerbert who were married 1880 in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. The Hon. Francis Jeffrey Moncreiff born 1849 Edinburgh died 1900 Edinburgh, worked as an accountant, Mildred born 1852 Warsop Nottinghamshire died 1943 Edinburgh. Francis was one of four children from this marriage, Richard b1882 was his elder brother and his two younger brothers Adrian b1885 and Norman b 1886 all born Edinburgh, Norman was killed 1916 in Rouen France while serving as a Major with the Canadian Mounted Rifles. Francis had been educated at Fettes College Edinburgh. He later worked as a land agent and found his way to Suffolk where he lived at Lt Wenham Hall and The Valley House Raydon. Francis had married Winifred Laxon in 1911 at Stivichall Warwickshire. Winifred was born in Coventry 1883 died in Raydon Suffolk 1977. There is no trace of any children.
No service record survives but he arrived in France, most likely with the Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment) 13th Battalion part of Kitcheners New Army on 8th July 1915, where they were involved in the Battle of Loos 1915. In the spring of 1916 they were involved in the German Gas attack at Hulluch and later the Battles of The Somme, including Poziers, Flers-Loulelette, the capture of Martinpuich, Le transloy and the attack on Butte de Warlencourt, it seems likely that Francis was wounded during the battle of Poziers fought between 23rd July-3rd September 1916 as he listed as a casualty of 23rd on Military Casualty list of 1st August 1916 and was later after initial treatment at a casualty clearing station transferred back to Britain, it appears he never recovered from his wounds and died in Leeds aged 45. His body was brought back to Little Wenham Suffolk where he was laid to rest in All Saints Churchyard.
Francis would have been entitled to:
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•1914-1915 Star
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•1914-1918 British War Medal
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•1914-1919 Victory Medal
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•Plus The Silver War Badge
His Next of Kin would also be entitled to Memorial Plaque and Scroll
