Francis Doolan was born in Dublin, and his mother Christina resided at 32 Chancery Lane, Dublin. He served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, The King's (Liverpool Regiment) in the French theatre of war from 12 August 1914.

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) published in the London Gazette 16 November 1915:

‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 25th September, 1915, at Cuinchy, when he advanced to the attack with his platoon up to the enemy’s unbroken wire, and remained there, under a very heavy fire, until ordered to return to our trenches. Later he went out several times and brought in wounded men. On the last occasion he was accompanied by Private Avory, 1st King’s Royal Rifle Corps, whom he carried in, when very severely wounded. Private Doolan had previously displayed great coolness and bravery, on the 17th May, at Festubert, in carrying messages under a very severe artillery, machine-gun, and rifle fire.’

Doolan was killed in action on the Western Front, 8 August 1916. On the latter date the Battalion were serving as part of the 6th Brigade, 2nd Division on the Somme;

‘Attack on Guillemont (8/8) - moved forward at 4.20am - War Diary records conditions as misty and very hard to see more than 10 yards. First objectives - (German front line, Guillemont Station, High Holborn) all carried. Relieved and via Mine Alley to Happy Valley (9/8). Casualties - 250.’ (British Battalions on the Somme by R. Westlake refers).

Private Doolan is buried in Delville Wood Cemetery, Longueval, France.