Lieutenant Francis Henry Haylen enlisted 15 September 1915. He was a 23 year old, single man, working as a clerk. His father was Thomas Haylen and his mother was Catherine Haylen of Benalong Road, Wentworthville. He was the brother of Mrs Frances Brown. He served as part of the 2 Australian Infantry Battalion.
He embarked aboard the SS Port Nicholson from Sydney on 8 November 1916. He was taken on strength on 10 May 1917 and promoted to Lieutenant on 24 August 1917. He was killed in action in Belgium on 21 September 1917 at the age of 25.
He was buried in Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium. His name is located on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial at number 32 in the Commemorative Area.
Neera Sahni, Research Services Leader, City of Parramatta, Parramatta Heritage Centre, 2019