Francis James Balls

A Private with 12th Battalion. Francis died on 7th of December 1916 at the age of 34. 

Francis was born at Lowestoft on 16 December 1880, a son of William and Charlotte Balls. He was baptised at Saint John's Church, Lowestoft, on 4 February 1881, and his family lived at 3 Haward Street. Later they lived at 8 Haward Street and, in 1901, at 12 Haward Street. 

Francis married Ellen Mary Nicholls at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 20 June 1909. Francis worked as a tram motorman and both Francis and Ellen lived at 50 Roman Road. By 1911 they were living at 52 Raglan Street, Lowestoft. 

Francis joined the Army at Bury Saint Edmunds. He served in England with the 3rd Battalion East Surrey Regiment and was later posted to the 12th Battalion East Surrey Regiment in France. 

In December 1916 the 12th Battalion were in the St. Eloi Sector. The Battalion War Diary for 7 December 1916 has:

Misty day. Wiring in front of R Line during morning. Mist rose in afternoon and enemy artillery were active again, using heavier shells of R Line and Field Guns on Front Line - no damage. 
Captain Pridham returned from leave and assumed command of D Company.
Casualties - 1 Other Rank killed by rifle bullet in No 1 Crater.

Francis was the soldier killed on that day. 

Ellen later remarried.