Francis William Whiting was born in Ballarat and enlisted from Ballarat North as a pastrycook on 12th July 1915. He was 21 years old and single. He joined the 8th Infantry Battalion, with Regimental No.4623. He was transferred to 58th Infantry Battalion and promoted to Corporal. His citation read..." This NCO rendered most valuable assistance in doing patrol work in front of the advance, locating and capturing enemy machine gun posts. His skillful leadership set a very high standard.." On 29th of September 1918 he was killed in action near St Quentin Canal, and is buried in Bellicourt British Cemetery, Aisne, France.

He was awarded the Military Medal for æconspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations near HARBONNIERES East of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX on 9th August 1918. This N.C.O. rendered most valuable assistance in doing patrol work in front of the advance. he located enemy machine gun posts and led a section in a rush which captured 3 machine guns. Later, he rushed with his section a second machine gun post, killing the crews and capturing two guns. His skilful leadership and determination set a very high standard to his section.'
Tree No. 1702