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Auction: 15003 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 68

The 1938 O.B.E., Great War 1918 'Western Front' M.C. Group of Fifteen to Colonel J.S. Allen, Royal Artillery, Commanding Officer of 106th (Lancashire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, and Member of Parliament for Birkenhead West, 1931-45
a) The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, 2nd type, Military Division, Officer's (O.B.E.) breast Badge, silver-gilt
b) Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse privately engraved '2nd. June 1918. Captain A. Major John S. Allen. 279 Siege Btty R.G.A.'
c) British War and Victory Medals (Major J.S. Allen.)
d) Territorial Force War Medal (Major J.S. Allen. R.A.)
e) 1939-1945 Star
f) Atlantic Star
g) Africa Star, with North Africa 1942-43 Bar
h) Italy Star
i) Defence and War Medals
j) Jubilee 1935
k) Coronation 1937
l) Territorial Decoration, G.V.R., silver and silver-gilt, with integral top riband bar
m) Special Constabulary Long Service Medal, G.V.R. (John S. Allen), the TFWM and Special Constabulary Medal silver-washed, nearly very fine or better, mounted court-style as worn (15)

O.B.E. London Gazette 9.6.1938 Lieutenant-Colonel and Brevet Colonel John Sandeman Allen, M.C., T.D., M.P., Territorial Army Reserve of Officers, late Officer Commanding 106th (Lancashire Yeomanry) Army Field Brigade, Royal Artillery, Territorial Army.

M.C. London Gazette 24.9.1918 Capt. (A./Maj.) John Sandeman Allen, R.G.A.
'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When his battery position was being bombarded, some full cartridge-boxes and the camouflage material over the gun were set on fire. This officer ran out and extinguished the flames, burning his hand in doing so, but his prompt action and personal courage undoubtedly saved further damage and explosions.'

The Recommendation, dated 11.6.1918, states: 'On the 2nd June, 1918, at about 8:00pm when his Battery position near Coq de Paillee was being shelled, some full cartridge boxes and the camouflage material over the gun were set on fire. Major Allen ran out of his B.C. post and extinguished the flames and prevented the fire spreading. He burnt his hand in doing so and by his prompt action and personal courage undoubtedly prevented further serious damage to his material, as the fire was prevented from being communicated to other cartridges and shells in the near vicinity. Although Major Allen was assisted by others it was due to his personal initiative and example that serious consequences were avoided.'

T.D. London Gazette 4.2.1927 Maj. John Sandeman Allen, M.C., 53rd (C. of Lond.) A.A. Bde., Royal Artillery

Colonel John Sandeman Allen, O.B.E., M.C., T.D., M.P., born May 1892, the son of Sir John Sandeman Allen, M.P.; educated at Birkenhead School; appointed Consul for Belgium in Liverpool; served during the Great War with the Royal Garrison Artillery (Territorial Force) on the Western Front, attached to 279 Siege Battery, R.G.A.; subsequently commanded 106th (Lancashire Yeomanry) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, Territorial Army; served during the Second World War in Beach defence and Anti-Aircraft units, 1940-42, and at sea as Staff Officer Movements, 1942-45; served as a member of Birkenhead Chamber of Commerce and as Conservative Member of Parliament for Birkenhead West, 1931-45; died, 29.9.1949.

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Sold for
£1,900