Pair Private A. R. Allen, 7th Canadian Infantry, an American by birth who enlisted into the Canadian Expeditionary Force before the U.S.A. declared war on Germany
British War and Victory Medals (931738 Pte. A. R. Allen. 7 -Can. Inf.), Extremely fine (2)
Arthur Randolph Allen was born on 6 June 1883 in Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A., working as a Steam Engineer before his enlistment on 21st September 1916 at Fernie, British Columbia in the 225th Battalion. He had prior service of 3 years in the U.S. Army Engineer Corps. He embarked at Halifax on the S.S. Grampian on 25 January 1917 and arrived at Liverpool on 6 February 1917. He contracted a number of illnesses during his time in England, nevertheless his service records show him serving at the Front from 1 March until 8 August 1918. He was Gassed on 1st August 1918. Allen was discharged on 28 January 1919; sold with a 7th Battalion (British Columbia) Cap Badge, C/7 collars, Marksman’s arm badge, wound stripe and scarce 7th Battalion 1st Canadian Division Cloth Patch, mounted on a felt pad for display.
Next of kin: S.A. Allen, 3100 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA., U.S.A.
