Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Thomas William and Mary Hope Allen; Husband of Mary Stuart Allen, of Wyandra, Queensland

Sportsmen on the Downs and in Toowoomba will learn with deep regret of the death of Corporal Douglas John Allen, second son of Mr and Mrs T.W. Allen, “Allendale” Greenmount, who died on September 22nd from wounds received in action in New Guinea. He was 27 years of age. Doug, as he was popularly known, was one of Toowoomba’s most promising cricketers, and at the outbreak of war had bright prospects of following in the footsteps of his brother, Tom, in securing a place in the State side. A wicket-keeper of marked ability and a sound batsman, he represented Toowoomba on many occasions in intercity fixtures in Country Week, and also played with a Queensland Colts XI against New South Wales. His quiet, unassuming nature on the sporting fields won him many friends, and his innings, although comparatively short, was full of merit. An old boy of the Toowoomba Grammar School, he played for the school in the First XI and later was an active member of the Past Grammar Cricket and Rugby Union Football Clubs. In December, 1940, Corporal Allen was married to Miss Mary Lauder, of Wyandra. Later he went overseas with the A.I.F., serving in the Middle East, including Tobruk. During the fighting in these campaigns he was wounded. After his return to Australia early this year he was posted to the New Guinea battle area. A younger brother, Gordon, also a well-known cricketer in Toowoomba before the war, is serving with the A.I.F.