John Allen
Date of death: 27.3.1918
Area: Sharlston
Regiment: Royal Field Artillery
Family information: Son of Mr and Mrs George Allen of Birkwood Farm, Sharlston
Rank: Gunner
Service number: 219585
War Service
219585 Gunner John Allen served with the Royal Horse and Royal Field Artillery. He enlisted in Wakefield and was a resident of Sharlston. There is an item in the Wakefield Express of 20th April 1918 under the heading “Wakefield & District War Casualties”, that reads:
“Gunner J Allen, Royal Field Artillery, son of Mr & Mrs George Allen of Birkwood Farm, Sharlston was killed in action in France on 27th March. Major Griffiths, writing to the bereaved parents, says “He was one of my best gunners and I feel his death very keenly. The battery was in action in a very exposed position and the guns were doing splendid work in keeping in check the German on rush. Near the close of the action, a shell landed near his gun killing him and his detachment instantaneously and although heartbroken I feel wonderfully proud of their splendid courage.”
Also in the same edition of the paper under “Roll of Honour” is written:
“In loving memory of a dear son and brother Gunner John Allen, R.F.A. who was killed in action somewhere in France on 27th March from Father, Mother, sister and brother.”
He is remembered with honour at the Pozieres Memorial.
Pozieres Memorial
