Allen, Humphrey Decius
Lieut. Humphrey Decius Allen, West Yorkshire Regiment, who was killed whilst gallantly leading his men into action on July 1st, was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Theophilus Allen, of Stanyards, Chobham, Surrey. He was educated at Bradfield College, he there attained the position of prefect and was afterwards at King's College, studying civil engineering for two years, during which time he twice gained the challenge cup for the mile. He also at that time belonged to the naval volunteers, and won several cups for swimming. In 1911 he went out to the Malay States and for over three years acted as Assistant Manager on the Sungei Krian Rubber Estate. Upon the outbreak of war he came home to offer his services, to his country, bringing with him testimonials to his work and character, which were afterwards recognised by the Company granting him a large bonus. He obtained his commission January 1915, as First Lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment, and went out to France on July 17th, 1915. He had the reputation of being one of the coolest officers under fire of his battalion and had done much to contribute to the splendid efficiency of the regiment. The Chaplain of the regiment writes: "Lieut. Allen's quiet unobtrusive manner made him very popular with the officers and beloved by the men ... He was a true Christian gentleman. King's College Review Dec. 1916
Biographical
| Surname(s) | Allen |
|---|---|
| First name(s) | Humphrey Decius |
| Date of birth | 1887 |
| Place of birth | Chertsey Registration District |
| Family details | Youngest son of Theophilus & Elizabeth Mary Allen of Stanyards, Chobham, Surrey |
| Previous education | Bradfield College |
| College | King's College London and/or King's College London Hospital |
| Dept / course | Faculty of Civil Engineering |
| Military unit | West Yorkshire Regiment (Prince of Wales Own) |
| Date enlisted | Commissioned January 1915 as a 1st Lieutenant in the West Yorks Regiment, went to France in July 1915 |
| War / conflict | World War One (1914-1918) |
| Date of death | 1 July 1916 |
| Age at death | 28 |
| Rank at death | Lieutenant |
| Place of death | Somme |
| Cause of death | Killed in action |
| Burial place | Fricourt New Military Cemetery |
| Commemoration(s) | King's College Chapel; Chobham Church War Memorial Tablet |
| Notes | The 10th were a Kitchener Battalion in 17th Division. They attacked Fricourt on the first day of the Somme battle, 22 officers and 750 men were killed in the attack |
| Sources | King's College London Archives; Commonwealth War Graves Commission |
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