People Australia

Angus Sutherland Allen, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

Angus Sutherland Allen, the son of Mr. and Mrs. V. F. Allen, was born at Moruya on 21st April, 1896. He was educated at Petersham S. P. School, and entered the service of the Bank at the Haymarket Branch on 24th October, 1913.

Three weeks after the outbreak of war he enlisted at Randwick, N.S.W., and embarked with the first convoy on 19th October, 1914. He took part in the landing at Gallipoli; and remained on the Peninsula throughout the campaign, returning to Egypt in December, 1915, as a lance-corporal. After a fortnight at the school of instruction at Tel-el-Kebir he rejoined his battalion for embarkation to France, and received his corporal’s stripes in May, 1916. Three months later he was gazetted 2nd-lieutenant, and lieutenant early in 1917. In July he proceeded to England and spent the rest of the year with the 1st Training Battalion, and at various schools in instruction, qualifying as “instructor” at the Southern Command Gas School.

On 6th January, 1918, he rejoined his battalion in France, and in June took over command of his company in the Merris area and was appointed temporary captain. On 11th July he was severely wounded when in action in front of Merris, and died at Ebblinghem on 21st July.

Two months before his death Captain Allen had been awarded the Military Cross for brilliant services rendered to his battalion during the strenuous fighting in front of Meteren and Merris. The achievement which won him this distinction is described in the official report in the following terms:

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in establishing an observation post. Though frequently subjected to heavy shell and machine-gun fire, he made constant reconnaissances, and never failed to keep his battalion well posted with information. He so successfully organized his snipers that at least twenty-five of the enemy were accounted for.”