Conscientious objector: Sentenced to 11 months. Notes: Labelled a 'fanatical socialist'

One of nine children of Owen Francis and Margaret McKee. Owen (junior) had four brothers who were also called to serve: Joseph Benedict Francis (b.1896), Bernard (b.1894), Cornelius, and Gregory (b.1895) - all survived the war.

Owen's name was balloted for service in June 1917, but refused to take a medical test. He was court martialled on 8 June 1917 in Christchurch. Once again he refused a medical due to his belief that the ballot was unlawful, and was sentenced to 11 months prison. He was released from Lyttelton Gaol on 16 February 1918 and was sent for another medical on 24 July 1918. This time he agreed to take the medical, but was classed C2. A letter from the examining officer stated that he was unfit for service and, even if classed fit, was probably not worth the trouble sending to camp as he was a "Socialist" and probably would not obey orders. He was sent back to work his farm.

Frequent references to Owen appear in the newspapers as a union organiser and a prolific letter writer to newspapers, especially the Truth.In September 1926 he was arrested for the murder of Duval Earle England. He died in Christchurch in 1968 and is buried with his parents.

His name is recorded on St Patrick's (Waimate) Memorial list (June 2015). AWMM