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.