Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War 1918 ‘Somme’ M.M. group of four awarded to Private A. F. Allen, 5th Battalion Australian Machine Gun Corps, Australian Imperial Force, who was wounded in action in 1916, 1917 and 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (2552 Pte. A. E. Allen. 5/Aust: M.G.C.); 1914-15 Star (2552 Pte. A. F. Allen. 7/Bn. A.I.F.); British War and Victory Medals (2552 Pte. A. E. Allen. 7 Bn. A.I.F.) minor edge nicks, generally very fine or better (4) £800-1000

M.M. London Gazette 24 January 1919. The original recommendation states:

‘Whilst moving into position for attack in front of Villers Bretonneux at 5 a.m. on the morning of 8th August 1918, Private Allen received nasty wounds in the arm. Although in great pain he carried on over an advance of approximately 10 kilometres. Throughout the operation he showed an utter disregard for his personal safety, and by his gallantry, self sacrifice and devotion to duty he set a splendid example to all ranks. His courage and endurance are worthy of special recognition.’

Edward Albert Allen was born in Wandsworth, London, in 1894. He enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Seahawk, Victoria, 6 May 1915. Allen embarked for Egypt in H.M.A.T. Anchises, and arrived at Mudros 18 November 1915. He initially served on the strength of the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion, before briefly transferring to the 59th Battalion, and ultimately serving with the Australian Machine Gun Corps from March 1916.

Allen was wounded in action in the French theatre of war, 19 July 1916 and 24 March 1917. He was awarded his M.M. for service with the 5th Battalion Australian Machine Gun Corps, as part of the 5th Australian Division on the Somme, 8 August 1918. He also received his final wound on that date. Allen returned to Australia in SS Main, and was discharged 10 December 1919.