Francis Andrew Nolan was born on the 25th November 1898 at 31 King Street, Perth.

In 1901, the Nolan family were living at 3 James Street, Perth: Father, Joseph (Telegraph Linesman), b. c1862, Perth; Mother, Mary McDonald Catherine McGlynn, b. c1874, England; Son, Francis A., b. 1898, Perth; and Daughter, Catherine I., b. c1900, Perth. 

He was educated at Perth Academy and, before enlisting, he was a clerk at the Inland Revenue Office, Tay Street, Perth.

Francis enlisted with the Fife & Forfar Yeomanry (Reg. No. 3890), before transferring to the 7th Black Watch.

The Second Battle of the Marne (15 July - 6 August 1918)

This was the last major German Spring Offensive on the Western Front during the First World War. Two newly arrived ('on rest') British infantry divisions: the 51st (Highland), which included the 7th Black Watch, and the 62nd (West Riding) were rushed through the Italians straight into attack down the Ardre Valley in the Battle of Tardenois. 

The Germans ordered a retreat on 20th July and were forced back to the positions from which they had started their Spring Offensives. They strengthened their flank positions opposite the Allied pincers and on 22nd were ordered to take up a line from the upper Ourcq to Marfaux. Costly Allied assaults continued for minimal gains. By 27th July the Germans had withdrawn their centre behind Fere-en-Tardenois and had completed an alternative rail link. The Germans retained Soissons in the west.

Francis Nolan would have lost his life at some stage of this action on 24th July 1918. He was 19 years of age. Francis Nolan is also commemorated on the memorial in St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Perth.