Arthur Allen (general)
Arthur Samuel Allen | |
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First World War
Second World War
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Awards | Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia ; Director of companies |
Early life
Allen was born in Hurstville, in Sydney. He attended Hurstville Superior Public School before gaining work as an audit clerk with the New South Wales Government Railways. Allen also joined the cadets and then the 39th Battalion of the Militia.
First World War
Allen was commissioned in 1913 and joined the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 24 June 1915. Allen embarked for Egypt with reinforcements for the 13th Battalion in August. In March 1916 he was promoted to captain and assigned to the 45th Battalion. He arrived in France on 8 June 1916 and fought at the Battle of Pozières in August. Allen remained in the front line on the Somme into 1917 and led his men through the Battle of Messines in June. His leadership amidst heavy losses earned Allen the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and a promotion to major in July. The citation for his DSO reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his company with great dash and determination against enemy trenches, through heavy artillery and machine-gun barrage, and against a stubborn resistance of the garrison, of whom he captured 100 prisoners. He continued to rally and lead his men to the attack, gaining further ground by his aggressive spirit and setting a fine example of initiative and organising ability.[1]
He continued to lead men in combat, at the Battle of Dernancourt in April 1918, and then as an acting lieutenant colonel, in charge of the 48th Battalion, at Battle of Monument Wood.
In June 1918, Allen went to England to attend the
Between the wars
Allen became an accountant after the war and in December 1921 married Agnes Blair. Allen returned to accounting, but remained active in the Militia, initially in command of the 41st Battalion AMF. In 1933 he became a full colonel, in charge of the 14th Brigade. Five years later, in 1938, he became a brigadier.
Second World War
In October 1939, Allen was given command of the
Allen was then given command of the 7th Division, and commanded it in the invasion of Syria and Lebanon, against Vichy French forces. Allen was officially promoted to major general in August 1941.
Following the outbreak of
Later life
After the war Allen became a senior partner in a Sydney accountancy firm. He died on 25 January 1959 and was given a military funeral before being cremated. He was survived by his wife and two sons. The art critic Christopher Allen and the writer, performer and filmmaker Richard James Allen are his grandsons.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "No. 30251". The London Gazette (Supplement). 24 August 1917. p. 8803.
- ^ "No. 31109". The London Gazette. 7 January 1919. p. 312.
- ^ "No. 35519". The London Gazette. 10 April 1942. p. 1595.
- ^ "No. 35120". The London Gazette. 1 April 1941. p. 1865.
- ^ "No. 35209". The London Gazette. 8 July 1941. p. 3881.
- ^ Christopher Allen profile, AustLit
Further reading
- Braga, Stuart (2004). Kokoda Commander: The Life of Major-General 'Tubby' Allen. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-551638-9.
External links
- AS Allen, Bio at www.generals.dk
- Major General Arthur Samuel 'Tubby' Allen, CB, CBE, DSO, VD, Biography at www.awm.gov.au
- Official Portrait being painted by William Dargie
- Photo, March 1942
- A. J. Sweeting, 'Allen, Arthur Samuel (1894–1959)', Melbourne University Press, 1993, pp 32–33.