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Private Samuel Allen
Description
TitlePrivate Samuel AllenSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionSamuel was born at Killinchy on 11th May 1880, fourth son of Alexander Allen. Before enlisting he was farming at Creamery House, Killinchy and was highly esteemed in the district. He was 5ft 10in tall with a fair complexion, blue eyes and auburn hair.
Samuel enlisted on 17th November 1915. His brother James (6/3980) also enlisted at the same time although he survived the war. They were originally assigned to the 10th Reinforcements but were transferred to the 11th Reinforcements on 17th February 1916. He trained at Featherstone where he had a bout of Influenza just before Christmas 1915 and was discharged on New Year’s Eve. He embarked on 1st April 1916 from Wellington and arrived in Suez on 2nd May 1916. However his stay in Egypt was short, for eight days later he embarked from Alexandria on board the Caledonia for France. He arrived and was posted to the 13th Company, 1st Battalion Canterbury Infantry at Amentiers on 18th July. He was wounded on 25th September but was able to re-join his unit on 3rd August. He was detached to 2nd NZ Infantry Brigade Headquarters on 6th September 1917. He was given leave in Paris and re-joined his unit on 10th July 1918. He was wounded in the leg on 28th August 1918 but was able to re-join the Canterbury Infantry on 4th September. Later that month he was again given leave, this time from 13th September until 4th October. Sadly he was killed in action on 8 October 1918, just 4 days after his return. At that time the New Zealand Division were part of the attacks on the remainder of the German Hindenburg Line around Cambrai. He was buried near where he fell and the co-ordinates recorded. After the war he was gathered in and now lies in Marcoing British Cemetery. In New Zealand Samuel is remembered on the Leeston Plaque of the Ellesmere County War Memorial.
Samuel is pictured left with his brother, James. First NameSamuelLast NameAllenFamilySingleSon of Alexander AllenDate of Birth11 May 1880Place of BirthKillinchy, SelwynDate of Death8 October 1918Place of DeathFranceCause of DeathKilled in action
Samuel enlisted on 17th November 1915. His brother James (6/3980) also enlisted at the same time although he survived the war. They were originally assigned to the 10th Reinforcements but were transferred to the 11th Reinforcements on 17th February 1916. He trained at Featherstone where he had a bout of Influenza just before Christmas 1915 and was discharged on New Year’s Eve. He embarked on 1st April 1916 from Wellington and arrived in Suez on 2nd May 1916. However his stay in Egypt was short, for eight days later he embarked from Alexandria on board the Caledonia for France. He arrived and was posted to the 13th Company, 1st Battalion Canterbury Infantry at Amentiers on 18th July. He was wounded on 25th September but was able to re-join his unit on 3rd August. He was detached to 2nd NZ Infantry Brigade Headquarters on 6th September 1917. He was given leave in Paris and re-joined his unit on 10th July 1918. He was wounded in the leg on 28th August 1918 but was able to re-join the Canterbury Infantry on 4th September. Later that month he was again given leave, this time from 13th September until 4th October. Sadly he was killed in action on 8 October 1918, just 4 days after his return. At that time the New Zealand Division were part of the attacks on the remainder of the German Hindenburg Line around Cambrai. He was buried near where he fell and the co-ordinates recorded. After the war he was gathered in and now lies in Marcoing British Cemetery. In New Zealand Samuel is remembered on the Leeston Plaque of the Ellesmere County War Memorial.
Samuel is pictured left with his brother, James. First NameSamuelLast NameAllenFamilySingleSon of Alexander AllenDate of Birth11 May 1880Place of BirthKillinchy, SelwynDate of Death8 October 1918Place of DeathFranceCause of DeathKilled in action
Connections
CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OnePlaceKillinchy
ImageLeeston and Ellesmere County War MemorialMore InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph
ImageLeeston and Ellesmere County War MemorialMore InformationAuckland War Memorial CenotaphMilitary Service
Memorial or CemeteryMarcoing British CemeteryEllesmere County War Memorial Occupation before EnlistingFarmer Regiment or ServiceCanterbury Infantry Regiment Enlistment Details17th November 1915Service Number6/3982Embarkation1st April 1916Place of EmbarkationWellingtonReinforcement11th Reinforcements
Attribution
Researched ByL. M. SeatonTaken FromPhoto taken from Auckland War Memorial Cenotaph. Please refer to this site for the photo’s copyright license
Private Samuel Allen. Selwyn Stories, accessed 15/06/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/573