Laurence W. Allen
Laurence Wilfred Allen MC | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 September 1892 Coventry, England |
| Died | 1968 (aged 75–76) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ | Royal Flying Corps |
| Years of service | 1915–1926 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Warwickshire Regiment No. 48 Squadron RFC |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Laurence Wilfred Allen MC was an English World War I flying ace. He was credited with ten confirmed victories while serving as an observer/gunner in Bristol F.2 Fighters.
Early life
Lieutenant Laurence Wilfred Allen, alias Laurence William Allen, was born in Coventry, England on 14 September 1892.[1]
World War I
Allen was originally a member of the
On 5 April 1917, after being assigned to
By the end of Bloody April, Allen's score had reached seven. He scored twice in May while being piloted by Letts, being wounded in action on 24 May 1917 while downing his ninth foe.[1] His Military Cross was gazetted two days later.[4]
He would score once more, on 16 June 1917. His final tally included: an Albatros D.III destroyed singlehanded; two more D.IIIs destroyed in victories shared with other aircrews; a two-seater reconnaissance plane and four D.IIIs singlehandedly driven down out of control; two Albatros D.IIIs driven down and shared with other aircrews.[1]
Post World War I
Allen was transferred to the Class A Reserves of the Royal Air Force on 1 September 1922.[5]
On 17 February 1926, he was slightly injured in the crash of Wolf no. G-EDHJ at
He died in 1968 in Coventry.
Honours and awards
- Military Cross
2nd Lt. (temp. Lt.) Laurence Wilfred Allen, R. War. R., attd. R.F.C.
- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when acting as an observer. On many occasions he has helped to shoot down and destroy hostile machines. He has shown the greatest coolness and skill on all occasions, frequently clearing difficult jams in the middle of a fight.[4]
Endnotes
- ^ a b c d Franks et.al. (1997), pp. 2–3.
- ^ "No. 29377". The London Gazette. 23 November 1915. p. 11606.
- ^ Guttman, pp. 10–11.
- ^ a b "No. 30095". The London Gazette (Supplement). 26 May 1917. p. 5179.
- ^ "No. 32746". The London Gazette. 12 September 1922. p. 6582.
- ^ "No. 33146". The London Gazette. 30 March 1926. p. 2279.
- ^ "No. 33198". The London Gazette. 3 September 1926. p. 5769.
References
- ISBN 9781898697565.
- Guttman, Jon (2007). Bristol F.2 Fighter Aces of World War I. Oxford, Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84603-201-1