Author Topic: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943  (Read 906 times)

Offline Babel

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RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« on: Tuesday 07 January 25 17:03 GMT (UK) »
On the 9th July 1943 the then Sergeant John Duncan Whyte Allen, born in Canada May 1908, was awarded the George Medal in recognition of conspicuous gallantry in carrying out hazardous work in a very brave manner. This was awarded for "saving a life in a rock-climbing accident in Gibraltar". Miraculously, he 'lassoed' a fallen climber at great risk to himself and hauled him to safety.
He had previously been Mentioned in Despatches whilst a Lance Sergeant for "gallant and distinguished services in successful combined operations against the enemy at Vaagso and Maaloy." Sadly, there are no details of John's life post 1949, with his death year not known, and neither the location. His last known address being 152 Redland Road in Bristol in 1949. At the time he was married with 5 children born between 1938 and 1945 at Colchester in Essex. Any help to establish his life's detail post 1949 would be most appreciated. Claims of his death occurring in Liskeard Cornwall in 1976 are likely to be false. Bob Lee   

Offline CaroleW

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Re: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday 07 January 25 19:17 GMT (UK) »
His wife was Mildred Elsie Wardley born in Essex in 1914 & the marriage was 1937.  He married as John D Allen - not John D W Allen

She died 1995 in Essex & left a will. 

What is your connection to the family?  Are you descended from one of his children?
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Offline Andy J2022

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Re: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« Reply #2 on: Tuesday 07 January 25 19:26 GMT (UK) »
If you want  more details about the operations he was involved in during his time with 3 Commando, the definitive source is Brigadier John Durnford-Slater's book Commando: Memoirs of a Fighting Commando in World War Two. London: Greenhill Books. ISBN 1-85367-479-6. Durnford-Slater was 3 Cdo's first commanding officer.

I'm not clear why you have included 'RAC' in the title of this thread. I assume it is because Sgt John Duncan Allen was previously in the Royal Armoured Corps.

If you don't already have it, it may be worth trying to get a copy of his service record from the MOD or TNA as this will tell you when his service ended and might possibly provide a clue to his location after leaving the Army.

Offline softly softly

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Re: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« Reply #3 on: Tuesday 07 January 25 19:28 GMT (UK) »
Name   John Whyse Allen
Gender   Male
Birth Date   3 May 1908
Birth Place   Russell, Ontario, Canada
Father   
William Allen
Mother   
Jessie May Wood

SS


Offline CaroleW

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Re: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« Reply #4 on: Tuesday 07 January 25 19:30 GMT (UK) »
He was b 1.5.1908 but was baptised in Essex 4.11.1910 Fordham All Saints as John Duncan Whyte Allen
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Offline *Sandra*

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Re: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« Reply #5 on: Tuesday 07 January 25 19:45 GMT (UK) »


Canadian Attestation Papers showing military history for his father William Allen might be of interest

https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/personnel-records/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=6363

Digital File:-

https://central.bac-lac.canada.ca/.item/?op=pdf&app=CEF&id=B0111-S021


Will of his father:-



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Offline *Sandra*

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Re: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« Reply #6 on: Tuesday 07 January 25 19:47 GMT (UK) »

1911 UK Census Wash End, Fordham, Colchester, Essex.

Sidney Newman   35 Farm Labourer.
Eliza Newman   38
Katie Allen   13
Jessie Allen   11
Roberd Allen   4  Nephew.
John Allen   2 Nephew.

Sandra

Added :- Jessie Allen
Baptism Date   10 Apr 1901   Colchester, St. Leonard, Essex, England
Father    William Allen
Mother    Jessie Allen


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Offline *Sandra*

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Re: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« Reply #7 on: Tuesday 07 January 25 19:56 GMT (UK) »
John Allen (nephew born Canada ) was still living with Arthur Sidney Newman  (aged 45 years)  and Eliza (aged 48 years) in Lexden Essex in 1921.  His mother had died.

Sandra
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Offline *Sandra*

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Re: RSM of 3 Commando RAC John Duncan Allen awarded George Medal in July 1943
« Reply #8 on: Tuesday 07 January 25 20:00 GMT (UK) »


The Liskeard death entry is showing a birth date which is one day different to the Canadian birth ?

John Duncan Allan - Birth Date   4 May 1908
Registration Date   Jan 1976    Jan-Feb-Mar
Registration district   Liskeard Cornwall
Volume   21 Page   0373

Sandra
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