9969 Pte I.Allen 1st Bn. R.W.F.

Hi, This is my first post on the forum. I am doing research on my great uncle Isaac Allen who during WWI was awarded the DCM at Festubert. On the 16th May 1915 in the company of CSM Barter, who was awarded the V.C., and other men he volunteered to assist in bombing a German trench capturing 500 yds of trench and over 100 prisoners, including officers. I am still trying to find out more about his army service. When did he join up? Where he trained/was posted etc.
He died in the first quarter of 1975 and I believe there was an obituary tribute to him in a local Wrexham newspaper. I have been trying to find this article but living in Spain, I am finding it difficult to locate this.
I would be very grateful if anyone could tell me more about Isaac and if anyone knows where I could find a copy of that article?
Many thanks in advance, John.

John, were you registered on the Great War Forum as Competajohn? The reason I ask is that there is quite a bit of information about this. Apparently, a Will Davies kindly got this member the information from Wrexham, copied it, scanned it and sent it to Competajohn. The link is here:

There is also reference to Pte Allen here

Hi Bob, Yes, Will was very kind to get me the info. but I'm still hoping to find out more about Isaac's service record and also that obituary from 1975 plus any other details of his battalion.
John.

I have just spoken with someone at NWN Media, which publishes North Wales newspapers, regarding the obituary.

They have suggested visiting Hawarden library as it holds hard copies of all the Wrexham newspapers. I know you can't visit, John, but maybe someone close by might be able to call in.

Thats a great find Bob, I might just copy that :-)

Many thanks, Bob. If there is anyone out there who could call in for me I would be very grateful to them. Obviously I would cover expenses, time etc.

Here is what I have:

Allen, Isaac, 9969 Pte, DCM
Born Wrexham c.1890. Enlisted 06/1908. Landed 07/10/1914. Sore feet 15/10/1914. Reported missing 20-21/10/1914, re-joined Bn. Shrapnel wound right thigh, adm 47 F/Amb 27/09/1915, to 9 G/Hosp. To UK 01/10/1915. No further information found.
DCM (LG 05/08/1915).

You will see that this is more or less what is in Bob's second reference (post of 14/07). That ref is in fact my very own muster roll of the 1st Bn for the day they landed in France, and I wonder how it ended up in Google docs! Anyway, the current version of the roll is much improved, so what the hell.

John

Many thanks Baconwallah

My pleasure, John.

I have two requests:

1 - Please keep us informed of any other information you might find. It would be useful to all of us, and especially to me as I am compiling a list of all Great War 1st Bn ORs for my book.

2 - Also for the book: if you happen to come across a photo of Isaac Allen... Please!

John

Hi John, Will certainly do. Oh for a photo!! We tried to get in touch with Isaac's descendants last year but they did not return our calls so we have to respect their privacy. I'm hoping one day to get that obituary so if I'm successful I'll send you a copy.
There was some later sadness for the family as Isaac's son Harry served in the Navy during WWII and was captured at the Battle of Java. He was held at a Japanese P.O.W. camp on one of the islands and the prisoners took it in turn to ''pop out'' of the camp at night to gather food from the supportive locals. One night it was the turn of Harry's friend to go out but he was taken ill and so Harry volunteered to go in his place. Sadly, he was captured and executed. It was the 3rd May 1945, only a few months before VJ Day, he was aged 21.
Good luck with the book.
John.

What a sad story about Harry. Many of my relatives experienced Japanese hospitality, my Father on the Burma RR, one Uncle in Japan, so I know what you're talking about.

You were lucky that I have as much as I have on Isaac Allen. Of many men who served with 1/RWF, especially the later arrivals, all I have is a name and a number (and sometimes not even that).

Re Hawarden Library: you might give them a call. Many libraries will do research on request, the first 15 minutes free, after that you'll have to pay for their time, 25 or 35 pounds I think. Certainly worth a try.

John

John, I`m a local police officer in the Hawarden area, I`ll go to the library and try to dig out the obituary.

That's very kind of you, Howie. John Dunford will be very pleased indeed if you can find it!

John

Howie, That is very kind of you. I am really grateful for your offer of doing this for me. Also, my 83 year old Mum will be as well! Many thanks, John.

I went to Hawarden library but unfortunately they do not have hard copies of local papers, however, the kind lady there contacted the library at Mold. They do have copies on microfiche but it may take some time to find. Leave it with me.

Howie, Many, many thanks. I hope this is not putting you to too much trouble.
John

John, no luck at Mold, however I have booked a slot on the computer at Wrexham museum. The curator there believes they will have what we`re looking for.
Howie

Howie, You are a star! :smileicon:
Many thanks,
John.

John,
Success, I have a copy of the obituary dated February 7th 1975 from the Wrexham Leader. An extract from the 1911 census showing members of the Allen family at 4 Cutlers Court, Charles Street, Wrexham. Details of the grave of Margaret and Isaac Allen at Wrexham parish church and a brief extract from Isaac Allen DCM`s military record.
If you e-mail me your address I will happily forward it to you.

Regards

Howie e-mail howiewilliams@talktalk.net

Well done indeed, Howie. Assuming that John (the other John) does not object, I'd very much like a copy for my book on 1 RWF if you don't mind.

John

Howie, I've sent my e mail address to you. I really cannot express in words how grateful I am - you are a very special person for doing this for me. My old Mum will be so happy. Please feel free to pass it on to John (Baconwallah)as well -it will be great to have him commemorated in the book.
Once again, many thanks to you and the Royal Welch Forum.
John.

Happy to help mate.