Name
Alfred Henry Allen
5/11/1890
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
25/09/1915
24
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Lance Corporal
12888
Duke of Cambridge’s Own (Middlesex Regiment)
1st Bn.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
1914 (Mons) Star (with Clasp & Roses), British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
CAMBRIN CHURCHYARD EXTENSION
H23
France
Headstone Inscription
"HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR CHRIST AND ALL"
UK & Other Memorials
South Mimms Village Memorial
Pre War
Alfred Henry ALLEN was born on 5th November 1890, in South Mimms, Hertfordshire, son of William Alfred Allen a Labourer and Anna Maria Allen (nee Druce). One of ten children.
His parents were married on 16th May 1886, at St James Norland, Kensington, London.
Alfred was Baptised on 22nd March 1891, at St James Norland, Kensington, London. His abode was recorded as 58 Princess Road, Kensington, London.
1891 Census records Alfred aged 5 months living with his parents, and sister Winifred (2) in South Mimms, Herts, his father’s occupation is given as a Labourer.
1901 Census, Alfred (10), his parents, two brothers Harold (8), William (2), and three sister, Winifred (12), Ella (6) and Beatrice (4) are still living in South Mimms, Herts. His father is now working as a Bricklayers Labourer.
On 31st January 1910, Alfred enlisted at Mill Hill, London, the HQ of the Duke of Cambridge Own (Middlesex Regiment) for 7 years with the colours and 5 years with the reserve, he gave his age as 18 yrs & 3 months and his occupation a Horse Keeper, issued with the service number L/12888. He joined the Mill Hill, Depot/Trailing Unit on 4th February 1910, posted to the 2nd Battalion on the 30th April 1910.
1911 Census records Alfred aged 19, single, a Private with the 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment Stationed at Guadeloupe Barracks, Bourdon Camp, Hampshire. His parents, four brothers Harold (18), William (12), Arthur (9), Walter (7) and sister Alice (4), are still living in South Mimms, Herts. His father is now recorded as a Bricklayer on his own account.
In September 1913, Alfred and the 2nd Battalion, Middlesex Regiment sailed for Malta.
Wartime Service
At the outbreak of war, the 2nd Battalion was Stationed in Malta, they returned to England, arriving on 26th September 1914, and went to Hursley Park Camp, Hampshire. They were mobilized for war service and arrive at Le Havre, France, on 5th November 1914. His service record shows he returned to England on 7th December 1914, (his service record dose not state whether he was wounded, on a training course or on leave). He was transferred to the 1st Battalion on 3rd February 1915, and returned to France, he was appointed Lance Corporal on the 16th February 1915.
Alfred was Killed in Action on the 25th September 1915, the first day of the Battle of Loos (Battle of Loos 25th September - 8th October 1915), the 1st Battalion, sustained heavy casualties that day, in the region of 87 Killed, 216 Wounded and 101 missing. Alfred is buried in Cambrin Churchyard Extension, Cambrin, France. Grave ref; H 23.
Additional Information
At the time of his death his parents were living at 1, Cecil Cottage South Mimms.
His effects of £11-19s-09d, pay owing and his war gratuity of £6, went to his mother Anna Maria Allen.
The inscription on his Headstone “HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR CHRIST AND ALL” was requested by his mother Anna Maria Allen.
His service record is available online at Find My Past www.findmypast.co.uk and Ancestry UK www.ancestryuk.co.uk.
His brother Harold Druce Allen served in India with the 4th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, he survived the war.
Acknowledgments
Stuart Osborne
Brian Lodge
