A Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment

Eight: Colonel G. E. Allen, 5th Battalion Manchester Regiment - wounded Gallipoli, 9 August 1915

1914-15 Star (2 Lieut., Manch. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Capt.); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals; Coronation 1937, these unnamed; Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., with top bar, unnamed, mounted court style for wear, good very fine and better (8) £300-360

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the Manchester Regiment.

View
Collection

Gerald Elliston Allen was born at Ashland House, Wigan on 26 September 1896, the son of Herbert Elliston (Solicitor) and Ethel Margaret Allen. He was educated at Rugby School where he was in the O.T.C. On 25 March 1914 he was commissioned into the 5th (T.F.) Battalion Manchester Regiment. With the onset of war, Allen with the 1/5th Battalion was posted to Egypt, arriving there on 25 September 1914. He was promoted to Lieutenant in February 1915 and entered the Gallipoli theatre, landing at Cape Helles on 6 May 1915, seeing action at the 2nd Battle of Krithia. A bout of jaundice meant he was invalided to hospital at Alexandria. Recovering, he returned to Gallipoli, but on 9 August 1915, a few days after getting back, he was wounded just above the right knee by fragments of a bursting shell whilst in the trenches. A little later he received promotion to Captain. In January 1916 the battalion left Gallipoli for Egypt and took part in the Battle of Romani, 4/5 August 1916. From Egypt the battalion moved to France in March 1917.

In September 1917 he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps where he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant (Honorary Captain) Equipment Officer 3rd Class (Photography) based at the H.Q. 26th Wing R.F.C. He later served with the H.Q. 42nd Wing in both Canada and England. On 25 August he relinquished his commission in the R.A.F. on ceasing to be employed and returned back to the Manchester Regiment as Captain in the 1st Battalion. He was demobilized on 28 November 1919.

In July 1920 he was appointed to the 5th Battalion Manchester Regiment as Captain and Temporary Major. In civil life, he qualified as a Solicitor in 1921, and became a partner in the firm of Peace & Ellis. With the 5th Battalion he was promoted to Major in November 1926 and was temporary C.O. of the battalion, September 1925-March 1926. Awarded the Territorial Decoration in February 1930. Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in October 1930, becoming C.O. of the 5th Battalion. Awarded the Brevet of Colonel in September 1934. On 20 September 1934 he retired on completion of his tenure of command and joined the T.A. Reserve of Officers. In May 1935 he took command of the 42nd (East Lancashire) Divisional R.A.S.C. (T.A.) and was awarded the Coronation Medal whilst holding this position. In May 1939 he returned to the Reserve of Officers, on the unit strength of the 5th Battalion Manchester Regiment.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, he returned to active service and was appointed to the Staff as Assistant Adjutant & Quartermaster General of the 51st Division. In September 1939 he was appointed A.A. & Q.M.G. at H.Q. 9th (Highland) Infantry Division. In July 1940 he was appointed Acting Colonel, Commander, Ayr Sector. In August 1941 he reverted to the Unemployed List and in December 1941 was appointed A.A.G. of IX Corps Home Forces.

Latterly a partner in his own firm of solicitors - Allen, Worden & Mawdsley, of Southport. He died in Southport on 3 January 1966. With a quantity of copied research.