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William Allan

Commemorated at
Memorial Name
Given name
William
Family name
Allan
Gender
Male
Service number
31195 and N274069
Place of enlistment
Sydney NSW
Conflicts
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Campaign
Ypres Salient 1917
Somme 1918
Fate
Returned to Australia (RTA)
Additional information
Place of birth
Warwick, QLD
Religion
Presbyterian
Occupation
Grazier
Address given on enlistment documents
"Inchira"
Aberdeen NSW 2336
Marital status
Single
Age at embarkation (years)
29
Next of kin
Emily Allan, Elise Allan
Enlistment date
Sun, 8 October 1916
Embarkation details
Departed from Sydney onboard the HMAS "Orontes". Arrived in Plymouth 17 February 1917.
Rank on enlistment
Driver
Rank from Nominal Roll
Driver
Last held rank
Sergeant
Unit on enlistment
2 Divisional Artillery Column
Unit at time of death or end of service
Intelligence Corps (Second World War)
Unit at embarkation
2 Divisional Artillery Column
Service
Australian Army - First Australian Imperial Force (1st AIF)
Australian Army - Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF)
Decorations
Australia Service Medal 1939-1945
British War Medal 1914-20
Victory Medal
War Medal 1939-1945
Veteran Notes/Bio

William Allan was born in Warwick, Queensland, on 11 January 1887. His father was Queensland colonial politician, William Allan. He was a grazier, and enlisted in the First World War in September 1916, after attempting to enlist multiple times from the declaration of war.

Due to physical issues, he could not fight as a soldier, and instead joined the 2nd Divisional Artillery Column as a driver, taking ammunition to the front lines. His war began in Ypres, a few days before the Battle of Broodseinde. He remained on the Western Front until the Armistice in November 1918. 

He returned to Aberdeen, after leaving the AIF in London and travelling around America.

He lowered his age in order to enlist in the Second World War, and remained in Australia, serving in the Intelligence Corps.

The William Allen Memorial outside the Aberdeen RSL was paid for by William, who was a founding member of the club. His name is misspelt as 'Allen' on the plaque attached to the memorial and on the honour rolls nearby. 

William Allan died on the 5th of September 1966, at the age of 79.

Note: the information in the table above mostly relates to his service in the First World War. 

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Recorded by
Belinda Fairless