Name
Harry Allen
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
31/07/1917
33
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Gunner
120037
Royal Garrison Artillery
89th Heavy Artillery Group H.Q.
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
British War and Victory medals
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
MAZINGARBE COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
II. D. 3.
France
Headstone Inscription
IN THE MIDST OF LIFE WE ARE IN DEATH
UK & Other Memorials
Harpenden Town Memorial
Pre War
Harry was born in Stratfield Saye, Wilts. in 1883, to William and Eliza Allen. He worked as a groom for Mr Joel of Childwickbury and lived in Lower Cravells Road Harpenden.
On 11 Aug 1915 he married Annie Blanche and had a son Bernard William, born 14 Aug 1916.
Wartime Service
Harry attested on 10 Dec 1915, being put on Army reserve and mobilised on 27 Sep 1916 at No 1 Depot Royal Garrison Artillery Depot as Gunner 120037.
He was moved on 26 Oct 1916 for further training to Lough Swilly and then to A Siege Depot on 5 Dec 1916. On 19 Feb 1917 he moved to Q2 Siege Brigade Depot. On 16 Mar 1917 he went to France, landing at Le Havre on posting to 89 Heavy Artillery Group.
He was killed in action on 31 Jul 1917.
Additional Information
His wife, Mrs. Annie Blanche Allen, of 19, Cravells Rd., Harpenden, Herts., ordered his headstone inscription: "IN THE MIDST OF LIFE WE ARE IN DEATH". War Gratuity of £3 and arrears of £5 9s 10d paid to his widow Annie. Later there was a pension of 18s 9d per week paid.
Acknowledgments
Neil Cooper
Jonty Wild, Mary Skinner, Harpenden & District Local History
Society (www.harpenden-history.org.uk)
