George Sharp Allen Northumberland Fusiliers

[Ibbo2000]

Hi,

I am researching my great uncle George Sharp Allen of the 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers and noticed he was awarded the Military Medal, Ancestry records indicate he was mentioned in despatches. Is there any records I could look at that may indicate why he was awarded the medal. Would it be mentioned in the war diaries for the regiment? if so is there anyway of finding the date of the mention (would save a lot of time as as far as I can see the diary runs for approx 700 pages) or is there any other possible record sources?

I know he died on 14/7/1916 and is buried at Departement de la Somme.

Many thanks
Kev.

[MaxD]

The MM London Gazette entry is here:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/Edinburgh/issue/12997/page/1833

More in a moment.

MaxD

[MaxD]

The MID is here:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29200/supplement/5991

More later

MaxD

[Pennines]

Also according to 'The Genealogist' website - there was an entry in the London Gazette for his mention in despatches on 22 June 1915.

Experience has taught me that this date is not always  accurate!

You can join the Gazette website -- it is free to search, but a bit complicated!

Looks like George was shown as G.S. Allen and his number was 3321.

(I see that Max beat me to it -- and the date on the Genealogist site was not accurate again!)

[MaxD]

In each case you should look from about three months earlier than the award date.  Unfortunately, citations for the MM are only rarely to be found, the date of his MM suggests some time during the July/September period in the Somme battles.  The MID in 1915 suggest 2nd Ypres in April/May.  In each case look for (exceptionally) his name or more likely an account of some particular action where the battalion excelled itself.  May be able to add more.

MaxD

Pennines - the publication date was 18 Jun 1915 although the supplement was 22 June, pays your money takes your choice!

[Ibbo2000]

Hello MaxD and Pennines

Many thanks for the info and gazette links. Tried searching on the Gazette site earlier and found absolutely nothing (searching his name brought up a few hits but opening the  page I couldn't see his name).

Will have a look at the diaries later, for the time period mentioned, at least it narrows down the number of pages to search.

Many thanks again for your help
Kev.

[MaxD]

This page is the beginning of the list of names that were the "Mentions" in the CinC's despatch of 31 May 1915:
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29200/supplement/5991

That refers back to his main despatch which covers operations since 2 Feb 1915:
https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29128/supplement/3678

That narrows down the MID dates to Feb/May 1915.

maxD

[Pennines]

Max -- I never fail to be amazed at your depth of military knowledge. You always seem to come up with the goods.

[MaxD]

You are too kind I just join the dots.

Some of the other Northumberland Fusiliers in the same MM list as Pte Allen were presented with their medals by GOC 9 Brigade on 23 Oct 1916 (in the diary).  There are others mentioned in September specifically mentioning the action on 14 July.  Given that Pte Allen was killed on 17 July, I'd go for the 14th being the action for which he was awarded the MM. 

 MaxD