Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Thomas William ALLEN was born in 1873 at Inglewood, Vic, the son of George Phillip ALLEN and Emma BARBER, who married in 1872.  Emma died in Inglewood on the 7/3/1927, aged 70

Siblings:  [all born Inglewood] George Phillip 1875-1919; Jessie b.1877 – d.20/6/1948; Edward b.1880

Brother-in-law: Leo MASTERSON [WW1: Dvr 24502, 3rd DAC]

Religion:  Church of England                   

Occupation:  Miner / Prospector– working at Cassilis, in the Omeo District (pre Boer War)

Served in the Boer War for 1 year and 131 days:  Army No: 433, Rank: Private, Unit: 4 Victorian Imperial Bushmen.  First sailed 1/5/1900 on transport Victorian.  Returned to Australia on the Britannic in July 1901, before returning to Sth Africa early 1902 with the Commonwealth Contingent.

Married Catherine Agnes MATTHEWSON in 1906.  She was born in 1865 at Sandhurst, the daughter of Johanna (nee Butler) and Patrick MASTERSON, and had previously been married to William MATTHEWSON in 1893.

Children: (brought to the marriage by Catherine) All born Eaglehawk: *Ellen Flor (Nellie) b. 1894; *Isabel Mary b. 1899; *Lucy Madeline b. 1902; *Veronica Sophia b. 1904 (f: uk)

*Clara Amelia May b.1907 Eaglehawk – marr Walter C SHARPE 1927 – d.1989 WA

Living at Wonthaggi in 1914, Thomas’s occupation was listed as a Ropeman.  Catherine and Thomas were still living at Wonthaggi when he enlisted in WW1, but by the time he sailed, her address was 9 Whitehall St, Footscray.  He gave his occupation once again as a Miner.

WW1 Service:  Thomas stood just under 5ft 9in tall and weighed 156lbs when he enlisted in Melbourne on the 13/1/1916, at the age of 43 years and 3 months.  He was of a medium complexion with blue eyes and scanty brown hair.

He went into camp at the 24th Depot Battalion, Royal Park from 25/1/1916 to 4/2/1916, before transferring to the Field Artillery Brigade Reinforcements as a Gunner (No. 24448)

Promoted to Corporal with the 3rd Division Ammunition Column, No. 2 Section 1/5/1916

Thomas embarked on the A37 Barambah on the 27/6/1916, and arrived at Plymouth, England on the 25/8/1916.  Proceeded overseas to France 24/11/1916.  Promoted to Quarter Master Sergeant 1/1/1917.

Mentioned in Despatches – for gallant conduct in saving an ammunition dump and preventing possible casualties on the 16th September 1917:

Extract from D.R.C. No. 297, dated 24/9/17, paragraph 1418.  Laudatory: – The Divisional Commander has pleasure in highly commending three men of the 3rd D.A.C. for gallant conduct under the circumstances: - “On the morning of the 16th of September, an ammunition dump in the vicinity of the camp was ignited as the result of bombs from an enemy aeroplane.  Q.M.S. Allen and Cpl Vincent, 3rd D.A.C., without hesitation and on their own initiative, proceeded at once to the burning dump and extinguished the fire.  They were ably assisted by Driver Flanagan.  It was undoubtedly due to the prompt action on the part of the above mentioned men that the ammunition at this and adjacent dump was saved, consequently preventing the great possibility of casualties occurring, as the traffic at this time had become temporarily disorganised.  The C.R.A. and commanding officer desire that their congratulations be conveyed to the men mentioned.”

He was also awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre (19/1/1918) for his actions.

In late 1917 he was granted permission to return home for family reasons, and crossed to England on the 10/11/1917, where he embarked on the A54 Runic on the 20/12/1917, and arrived in Victoria on the 13/2/1918.

His wife died at their home in Footscray on the 25/2/1918 and the funeral took place to the Footscray Cemetery the following day.

His discharge came through on the 27/2/1918, and he returned to Wonthaggi for some years.

Thomas died on the 30th July 1937 at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, aged 64.

**************

Inglewood Advertiser, 23/7/1901:  We notice that another of our soldiers is returning from the war, namely Trooper T.W. Allen, of the I.A.R. when selected for service Trooper Allen was working at Cassilis, in the Omeo District.

The Bendigo Independent (Vic), Tue 23 Jul 1901 (p.2):  THE CONTINGENTS.  Amongst the 600 returning soldiers by the s.s. Britannic, which will be in Melbourne about Saturday, is Trooper T.W. Allen, of Inglewood.

Bendigo Advertiser, 1/8/1901:  AN INGLEWOOD SOLDIER.  Last evening Private F.W. Allan, [sic] who went to South Africa with the Australian Imperial Regiment, passed through Bendigo on his way to Inglewood.  Private Allan, who returned by the Britannic, is looking very well, though he says that he found the voyage on the troopship anything but pleasant.  He was accompanied by Private W. Boyd, another Inglewood “boy”, who returned from the front about three weeks ago.

Inglewood Advertiser, 2/8/1901:  Trooper T.W. Allen, who returned from South Africa by the Britannic, and reached Inglewood on Wednesday evening, was accorded a very hearty welcome.  The combined bands, members of the fire brigade, and a muster of the public met the train and escorted the soldier to the town, the firemen drawing a buggy in which was seated Trooper Allen.  The reception given the Trooper was of a most cordial description.

Bendigo Advertiser, 1/1/1902:  THE FEDERAL CONTINGENT – AN INGLEWOOD VOLUNTEER.  Inglewood, 1st January.  Private T. Allen, who served in South Africa with the Australian Imperial Contingent, today received a telegram asking him to proceed to Melbourne for examination for inclusion in the first Federal Contingent.  He is eager to be again at the front, and left for Melbourne this evening.

Inglewood Advertiser, 7/1/1902:  Mr Thos Allan, a member of the Australian Imperial Contingent, proceeded to Melbourne last week for examination for inclusion in the first Federal contingent.  He successfully passed the medical and other tests, and returned to Inglewood on Thursday night.  By last evening’s train he again left for Melbourne, to go into camp today.  Mr Allan is quite jubilant at the prospect of returning to South Africa.

During the afternoon Mr Allan’s health was honored over a glass of wine in the Mayor’s room at the Town Hall.  The Mayor presided, and there was a representative gathering of about twenty.  In proposing the health of the departing soldier, the Mayor complimented him on his action in again offering his services to fight under the British flag.  He felt sure he voiced the opinion of those present when he said Private Allan was a true Britisher.  He hoped to see him return from South Africa with honors.

Cr Morrow expressed his pleasure at being present, and was pleased that Trooper Allan had again offered his services.  Crs Deeble and Ham and Messrs T. Phillips, J.P., W. Palmer, H. Taysom, Sgt. Major Sissons, C. Freeman, G. Watts and W. Neal also spoke to the toast.

Private Allan briefly responded, thanking all for their very kind expressions and good wishes.  He would do his duty, and help keep the Union Jack flying.  (applause)

The Inglewood brass band, followed by a number of townspeople, escorted the departing soldier to the train, which left the station to the strains of “Rule Britannia” and the cheers of those assembled.

Inglewood Advertiser, 5/5/1916:  Cpl T. Allen, of the Artillary Corps, and formerly of Inglewood, last week visited his old home and renewed acquaintance with many of his former friends.  Corporal Allen is an old soldier, having served for two years in the Boer War.

Inglewood Advertiser, 19/1/1917:  Tidings of Soldiers.  Mrs T.W. Allen, of 9 Whitehall-street, Footscray, has been notified that her husband, who is at present in France, has been promoted to the rank of Quarter-master sergeant.  The soldier is a native of Inglewood and well known in this locality, and his many friends wish him further success.  He, with his brother-in-law, Private L. Masterson, of Salisbury are serving in the artillery.  Both send good wishes to all Inglewood friends.

Inglewood Advertiser, 11/1/1918:  Tidings of Soldiers.  A BRAVE DEED.  QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANT T.W. ALLEN MENTIONED.

Mrs T.W. Allen, of 12 David street, Footscray, received from her husband, Quartermaster-Sergeant Allen, just prior to Christmas the following official recognition of a gallant action performed by him in company with two comrades.  The soldier is a native of Inglewood, and also served with credit in the Boer War.  In writing he asked to be remembered to all friends, and also states that his brother-in-law, Driver Leo Masterson, of Salisbury West, is quite well:-

Extract from D.R.C. No. 297, dated 24/9/17, paragraph 1418.  Laudatory: – The Divisional Commander has pleasure in highly commending three men of the 3rd D.A.C. for gallant conduct under the circumstances: - “On the morning of the 16th of September, an ammunition dump in the vicinity of the camp was ignited as the result of bombs from an enemy aeroplane.  Q.M.S. Allen and Cpl Vincent, 3rd D.A.C., without hesitation and on their own initiative, proceeded at once to the burning dump and extinguished the fire.  They were ably assisted by Driver Flanagan.  It was undoubtedly due to the prompt action on the part of the above mentioned men that the ammunition at this and adjacent dump was saved, consequently preventing the great possibility of casualties occurring, as the traffic at this time had become temporarily disorganised.  The C.R.A. and commanding officer desire that their congratulations be conveyed to the men mentioned.

The Age (Melb, Vic), Tue 26 Feb 1918:  DEATHS.  ALLEN – On the 25th February, at her residence, 12 David-street, Footscray, Catherine Agnes, the dearly beloved wife of Quartermaster-Sergeant Thomas William Allen, and loving mother of Nellie, Isabel, Lucy, Vera and Clara, aged 52 years, R.I.P.  Dearly loved and deeply mourned.

The Age (Melb, Vic), Tue 26 Feb 1918 (p.12):  FUNERALS.  ALLEN – The Friends of Quartermaster-Sergeant THOMAS WILLIAM ALLEN are respectably informed that the remains of his dearly beloved wife, Catherine Agnes, will be interred in the Footscray Cemetery.  The funeral is appointed to move from his residence 12 David-street, Footscray, THIS DAY (Tuesday), 26th February, at 2 o’clock p.m.

Inglewood Advertiser, 14/5/1918:  Soldier Decorated.  Mr W.G. Long, secretary to the A.O.f., Inglewood, has received an interesting letter from Quarter-master Sergeant T. Allen in which he states he has been awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre.  The soldier, who also fought in the Boer war, was in France when the untimely death of his wife left a young family without a guardian, and he had to return to look after their interests.  In a brief account of his experiences he refers to the great work accomplished by the Australian Comforts Fund in supplying the men with much needed articles of clothing and other necessities.  He was, he stated, only one of many battling to get supplies for his men, and if anyone wanted to know where the money subscribed went to they could take his case as an example that it was well supplied.

The Herald (Melb, Vic), Thur 5 Dec 1918 (p.10):  MEDALS TO BE PRESENTED.  Medals for bravery in the field will be presented to the next-of-kin of the following …. members of the Australian Imperial Force by Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, the Governor-General, at the Domain Camp at 11 a.m. tomorrow – 24448 Quarter-master Sergeant Thomas William Allen, 3rd Divisional Column, Croix de Guerre; ……………..

Powlett Express and Victorian State Coalfields Advertiser (Vic), Fri 20 Dec 1918 (p.2):  Powlett Express.  In the Australian Government, Gazette of Nov, 27, it has been promulgated that Quartermaster Sergeant Thomas Allen, has had the decoration of the “Croix de Guerre”, conferred on him by the King of the Belgians, for conspicuous bravery in action.  Mr Allen, is a brother of Mrs Allen of the Powlett Hotel.

The Argus (Melb, Vic), Thur 10 Mar 1927 (p.18):  DEATH.  ALLEN – On the 7th March, at Inglewood, Emma, the beloved mother of Jessie Allen (hotel-keeper, 39 Duke street, Windsor), Thomas (Melbourne), Edward (Sydney), and Mrs Broome (Wonthaggi), aged 70 years.

The Age (Melb, Vic), Mon 2 Aug 1937 (p.1):  DEATHS.

ALLEN – On the 30th July, at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Thomas William (late of Wonthaggi and Inglewood), loving brother of Jessie (25 Alexandra street, South Yarra), and Ted (Erskinville, NSW), George (deceased, Wonthaggi).  No flowers by request.

ALLEN – On the 31st July [sic], at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Thomas William, fond brother of George (deceased), and uncle of George and Alf, Elsie (Mrs Turnbull), Jessie (Mrs Barclay), Una (Mrs Crowley), and Winnie, late of Wonthaggi and Inglewood, and A.I.F.  Inserted by G.L. Allen, 7 Perrins-street, South Melbourne.

ALLEN – On the 30th July, at Melbourne Hospital, Thomas William, loving brother of Jessie, George (deceased), Edward, and loving father of Clara; Granpa Dawn, Norma, Elaine Sharpe.