Francis Duncan

Born in Scotland in 1836, Francis Duncan studied at the University of Aberdeen before entering the Royal Artillery in 1855. His career took him to Canada and later to Woolwich, where he helped promote the idea of teaching first aid skills to civilians. He also served with the Egyptian Army and became known as a capable officer with strong humanitarian interests.

Duncan was more than a career soldier. He trained as a lawyer, wrote several works of military history, and built a public reputation as someone deeply engaged with military reform and public affairs. His writing included History of the Royal Regiment of Artillery and other works shaped by his professional experience.

In the last years of his life, he entered Parliament as the Conservative MP for Holborn, serving from 1885 until his death on November 16, 1888. His recorded speeches focused largely on military matters, which makes sense for a man whose life joined service, scholarship, and politics so closely.