Sergeant Austin Ronald Francis was the son of James Arthur and Ethel Beatrice Francis, and husband of Joan Ada Francis, of West Croydon, Surrey.He enlisted into The Royal West Kent Regiment and later transferred to Airborne Forces.

Sgt Francis subsequently served with 10th Parachute Battalion in Headquarters Company as the Provost Sergeant and took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Op Market Garden.

He died in the Battle between 18-25 September 1944, aged 30 years old, and is now buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem.