After his death in 1916, there were memorials in many forms that remembered the life of Captain Francis Willmer McAulay.
“We were shocked to hear the sad news that Captain Francis McAulay had been killed in France on May 21. He had been home a few days before, looking very well and in good spirits. The deepest sympathy is felt for his father, mother and sisters. He was of a very kindly disposition and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Months ago we heard from the men in his battery that he was most kind and thoughtful for their wants and comforts. Since his death we have heard still more. Deep regret was expressed by all with whom he had to do. He lost his life in his devotion of his men. He was gazetted captain in November, 1914, and for two months before his death was in command of the battery. He had been out fifteen months at the war. He is a fine example to others of devotion to duty, kindliness of spirit and manner and Christian beh.aviour. He will be much missed in many ways.”
The vicar of Great Coates and Aylesby church, Canon Quirk writing about the death of Francis Willmer McCaulay in the church magazine of June 1916:
Military Memorials
Captain Francis Willmer McAulay was laid to rest in France.
The 1924 Graves Registration Report records the passing of Francis Willmer McAulay
The Foncquevilliers Military Cemetery index in France also records his death
Commonwealth War Graves Commission records his death
Local Memorials
The local Church is St Lawrence in Aylseby and there is a gravestone there to Francis Willmer McAulay.
A stained glass window was created in his memory in the church and paid for by the family.
“To the glory of God & in memory of Francis Willmer McAulay Captain R.F.A.T.F only son of
Samuel & Maud Mary McAulay of this parish who fell in action in France May 21st 1916 Aged 25 years”
A wooden plaque in the Church of St Lawrence is a simple reminder of the four local men who fell in action.
A memorial stone can be found in the Wesleyan Chapel in Laceby to local men who fell in the war – including Francis Willmer McCaulay
Further afield
The Eagle is a publication from the college in Cambridge which Francis Willmer attended. There is an entry in their obituary notice from 1937 which lists his death.
There also appears to be evidence of a McAulay Scholorship which exists at St John’s College in Cambridge as some journals record students receiving this award. It is unclear how and when this was established but it is a further long term reminder of his memory.
The final legacy
Of course, the final memorial to Francis Willmer are the Memorial Cottages themselves. They too have a memorial inscription, this time carved into a stone headpiece above the door. Find out more about these memorial homes and that inscription here.