Boy Albert Edward Allen
The background of this man is not certain, but on the balance of probabilities he appears to be the Albert Edward Allen born on 24 October 1902 at 20 Epworth Street, Belfast, the last of six children of fireman (previously flax dresser and dairyman) Samuel Brackridge Allen and his wife Agnes Jane (née Rea). At the time of the 1911 Census he was living at 30 Epworth Street with his mother and three of his four surviving siblings.
Allen enlisted in the North Irish Horse at Belfast on 3 June 1918 (Corps of Hussars No.72106). He was described as being 5' 4¼" tall, with a fresh complexion, dark brown hair and grey eyes. He stated that he was 16 years old, was born in Ballymacarrett, and worked as a carter. Because of his age, he was given the rank 'Boy'.
He was reported to have deserted from the regiment's reserve base at Antrim on 27 July 1918. He must have been apprehended or returned to duty, for on 23 October 1918 was discharged, being 'no longer physically fit for war service' (paragraph 392(xvi), King's Regulations).
Allen later moved to England. He died on 24 May 1928 and is buried in the Anfield Cemetery, Liverpool.
This page last updated 27 February 2024.