Thank you to Margaret Dennis and Patricia Brazier for the following research.
Allen was born in Eastbourne, Sussex in 1888. His parents were George, a grocer and Margaret (nee Allen). In the 1891 census Allen’s family are living at 90 St. Andrews Road in Southampton. Allen has three sisters; Ella aged 4, Margaret aged 2 and Dorothy aged 6 months.
In 1901 the family can be found at The Post Office in Monkton Road, Minster in Kent. Allen’s father is a grocer and draper, Allen, now has more siblings, Kathleen aged 7, Lilian aged 5 and George aged 2.
Allen’s parents later moved to Banbury, Allen moved to Sevenoaks in Kent and in the 1911 census he is working as a grocer and lodging with a family in Rock Cottage Tubs Hill in Sevenoaks.
On the 4th June 1913, Allan enlisted for 4 years’ service into the Territorial Force. He gave his address as 3 The Parade Horwood Road South East London. His “next of Kin” is listed as his father George who was living at 94 Heldon Crescent in Harrow. At the time of his enlistment, Allen was employed as a provisions assistant by Francis and Sons. He trained in Salisbury and stayed in England until 16th March 1915 when he left Southampton and arrived in France the following day. He spent two years as a Gunner with the Field artillery.
Allen was due to be married and was expecting to take home leave. Sadly he died on 26th August 1917 in an accident with his rifle. He is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium.
Allen’s War Gratuity and personal effects were sent to his father who was living at Lake Cottage in Ockley. Allen’s brother George was killed in 1918.
| Born | Minster, Kent | |
| Son of | George and Margaret Giles | |
| Brother of | George Ernest Giles | |
| Regiment | “A” Battery. 236th Brigade. Royal Field Artillery | |
| Number | 955379 | |
| Date of Death | 26th August 1917 | |
| Place of Death | Near Ypres, Belgium | |
| Cause of Death | Accidentally Killed | |
| Age | 29 | |
| Cemetery | Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium |
