Background
DOWNES, Francis was born in 1834 in Dedham, Essex. Youngest son of W. Downes of Dedham.
DOWNES, Francis was born in 1834 in Dedham, Essex. Youngest son of W. Downes of Dedham.
Royal Military Academy, Woolwich.
Entered Royal Artillery, 1852. Colonel 1882; retired as Honourable Major-General 1884. MajorGeneral South Australia, 1888.
Major-General Victoria, 1899.
Served in Crimean Campaign, 1855-1856. Medal, clasp, and Turkish medal.
Commanded Resident Advisor at Mauritius, 1862-1865. At Saint Helena, 1869- 1871.
Gunnery Instructor, Woolwich, 1871-1876.
Commandant, South Australia, 1877-1885. Also 1888-1893; Secretary for Defence, Victoria, 1885- 1888. Commander, Victoria, 1899-1902.
Prepared five contingents for the war in South Africa.
Decorated for service in South Australia.
Club: Country, Johannesburg.
Spouse 1858, Helen (daughter 1903),daughter of R. Chamberlin of Catton House, Catton, Norwich.