Story:
William Henry Allen was born at East Knoyle, Wiltshire on 7 Dec 1892 and baptised there on 26th February 1893, the son of Henry Allen and Matilda Ann Allen (née Flower).  He lived during his early years with his parents at 54 Underhill, East Knoyle.   He enlisted on 15th October 1913 and joined the 5th (Reserve) Battalion of the Grenadier Guards as a Private (Service No. 16790).  He married Elsie M. Early at St. Jude's Church, Southwark, London on 28th June 1914.  There was one child of the marriage.  He was posted to France on 8 Nov 1914 and joined the 1st Battalion where he was severely wounded by a shell including losing two toes. He was discharged as being unfit for further service on 8th April 1916.  He was awarded the Silver War Badge No. 157395.  There is no record of any other medals.   The 1921 Census shows him living at 5 Tracey Street, Lambeth, London, working as a Telephonist and by the 1939 Register living at 50 Sinclair Road, Chingford, Essex, as a Night Telephonist.  He died in the Battersea, London, Registration District in 1958.   His brother, Percy Victor Allen, also served in the conflict.