William Barnsley Allen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Barnsley Allen
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William Barnsley Allen as portrayed on a Gallaher cigarette card
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| Born | 2 June 1892 Sheffield, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 27 August 1933 (aged 41) Bracklesham, Sussex, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 1914–1923 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Royal Army Medical Corps |
| Battles/wars | First World War
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| Awards | Victoria Cross Distinguished Service Order Military Cross & Bar Mentioned in Despatches |
William Barnsley Allen (born June 8, 1892 – died August 27, 1933) was a brave medical officer in the British Army. He was honored four times for his courage during the First World War. One of his awards was the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to soldiers in Britain and the Commonwealth.
Contents
Early Life and Studies
William Barnsley Allen was born on June 8, 1892. He grew up in Sheffield, England. He went to school at St Cuthbert's College, which is now called Worksop College.
After school, he decided to study medicine. He went to Sheffield University in the West Riding of Yorkshire. In 1914, he finished his medical studies. Just a few days after the United Kingdom declared war on Germany, he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps. He became a lieutenant and worked with the 3rd West Riding Field Ambulance.
Bravery in the First World War
William Allen served as a doctor during the First World War. He showed incredible bravery while helping wounded soldiers. He was honored four times for his actions.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award for bravery in the British military. William Allen received this medal for his amazing courage. He earned it during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. This battle was one of the biggest and bloodiest of the war.
During the battle, he worked tirelessly to treat injured soldiers. He often risked his own life to reach them. His bravery saved many lives on the battlefield.
Other Awards for Courage
Besides the Victoria Cross, William Allen received other important awards:
- The Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
- The Military Cross (MC) and a Bar (meaning he received the MC twice)
- He was also Mentioned in Despatches, which means his brave actions were officially noted in military reports.
These awards show how incredibly brave and dedicated he was. He was wounded twice during the war. Once at the Battle of the Somme and again during the Hundred Days Offensive in 1918.
Later Life and Legacy
William Barnsley Allen continued to serve in the army until 1923. He passed away on August 27, 1933, in Bracklesham, Sussex, England.
Remembering a Hero
His Victoria Cross medal is now on display. You can see it at the Army Medical Services Museum in Mytchett, Surrey.
At Somme Barracks in Sheffield, there is a special room named the "Allen VC Room." This room proudly displays a photo of William Allen. It also shows a copy of his Victoria Cross and other medals. This helps people remember his bravery.
On September 3, 2016, a special plaque was put up in his memory. This happened 100 years after he received the Victoria Cross. The plaque is at the Sheffield War Memorial in Barkers' Pool. It helps ensure that his courage is never forgotten.
Sources
- Willian Barnsley Allen Biography
- ALLEN, Major William Barnsley, Who Was Who, A & C Black, 1920–2008; online edn, Oxford University Press, Dec 2007, retrieved 19 November 2012
