Harrogate Herald – 1st December 1915
I was glad to receive a call from Lieutenant Allen,
one of the sons of Mr Christopher Allen. He is the brother of Fred
Allen, of the Canadian Force, who married Miss Annie Knowles, the
assistant stationmaster's daughter. Lieutenant Allen first went out
with the 1/5th West Yorks. Then he was made Second Lieutenant, and
sent to the 2/5th. Next he was sent back to his old regiment, and
now he has been transferred for ultimate duty elsewhere. I was much
impressed with Lieutenant Allen's smart appearance and keen
intelligence. We certainly have great reason to be proud of our
Harrogate soldier lads, and we are.
Harrogate Herald - 20th June 1917
W H Breare letter
I am sorry to tell you that our good friend
assistant station-master John Knowles is lying seriously ill. I have
known him since he was quite a young man and such a successful
comedian in the Station Staff dramatic performances. The mutual
friendship we formed then has continued uninterrupted all these
years. I need not tell you, therefore , how anxiously I am hoping
for his recovery. I told you about those two fine sons of his, who
are in the Army fighting, and you will remember that one of his
daughters married my genial friend Fred Allen, formerly of
Cathcart House, but now we almost consider him a Canadian. That is
when he is in Canada. Here, he is thoroughly English, and fighting
along with you boys across the water. Later in my letter if I have
heard further about my old friend Knowles I will let you know.
Harrogate Herald - 4th July 1917
W H Breare letter
Many of you know my friend Fred Allen,
formerly of Cathcart House, then of Canada, now of the Canadian
Forces in France. He married my lamented friend John Knowles'
daughter. Owing to deaths in the family, it was important that Fred
should have leave at this time, but, as you know, soldiers have been
known to have lost their mothers many times ever for the purpose of
obtaining leave. it is for this reason that the Army authorities
have insisted on having a telegram from a Magistrate confirming the
fact that a relative has died before issuing the leave. it was my
good fortune to be able to do this the other day for my friend Fred
Allen. We are all hoping, therefore, that we shall see him home
very shortly. You know how important it is that boys in times of
bereavement should be allowed to come home.
Harrogate Herald - 9th January 1918
W H Breare letter
I had a surprise visit from my dear friend Sergeant
Fred Allen, of the Canadians, the other morning. He is a son of Mr
Christopher Allen, of Cathcart House, and you will remember or
identify him amongst the brothers when I tell you he married a
daughter of the late Mr John Knowles, assistant station-master. Fred
looks well, and says he has never been better. Not had a day's
illness. He was able to tell me that Charlie Wood was in Italy. You
boys who know Fred will understand with what regret I parted from
him.
[From Canadian Archives - Aug 2001]
Names: ALLEN , FREDERICK
Regimental number: 149
Rank: SGT
Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 94 -
45
Attestation paper:
Date of Birth - 26/12/1888
1. Frederick Allen
2. Harrogate
3. Emma Allen (Mother)
4. Cathcart House, Harrogate
5. 26th December 1888
6. Marine Engineer
7. No
8. Yes
9. No
10. Yes - 3rd Battalion RFA
11. Yes
12. Yes
Enlisted at Toronto, 14th December 1914
26 years old - 5' 8.5" - 35" chest with
1.5" expansion - fair complexion - blue eyes - light brown hair
- thin vaccination mark on left arm
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