Story:
William Henry Allen was born at East Knoyle, Wiltshire, in 1893 and baptised there on 26th February 1893, the son of Henry Allen and Matilda Ann Allen (née Flower).  He lived 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 and joined the 1st Battalion where he was severely wounded and discharged being unfit for further service on 8th April 1916.  He was awarded the Silver Badge No. 157395.  There is no record of any other medals.   The 1939 Register shows him living at Grafton House, Islington, London, working as an L.C.C. School Keeper.  He died in the Battersea, London, Registration District in 1958.   His brother, Percy Victor Allen, also served in the conflict.