Thomas Allen

Thomas was the son of John Allen and the husband of Kate Allen. According to the 1911 Census when Thomas and Kate had been married for 25 years, they had had six children of whom only three were still living. Two sons were recorded on the 1901 and 1911 Census, Samuel and John Thomas who were probably born in 1894 (J/A/S Nottingham) and 1896 (A/M/J Nottingham) respectively. All the family were born in the parish of St Mary, Nottingham. In 1901 Thomas (42), a bricklayer's labourer, and Kate (34), a lace dresser, were living at Castle Street, Nottingham, with their two sons, Samuel and John Thomas. Also in the household was a boarder, Florence Attenborough (21). By 1911 the family was living at 9 Terrace Street, Hyson Green, Nottingham. Thomas (53) was still working as a builder's labourer and Kate (44) as a lace dresser. John Thomas (15) was the only child in the home on the night of the census; he was employed as a lace dresser. It is probable that Thomas' widow, Kate, died in 1918 (Dec Nottingham) aged 51. According to an 'In Memoriam' notice in the local paper in 1917, Thomas' sons were serving with the Colours.

He was a builder's labourer.

Private Thomas Allen (served as HOLLERAN) served with the 7th Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Robin Hood Rifles). He was killed after being struck by a train on 19th February 1916 while on guard duty. Thomas was buried in Nottingham (New Basford) Cemetery on 23 February 1916. He is commemorated in the United Kingdom Book of Remembrance (CWGC). HULL DAILY MAIL, Monday 21 February 1916 SOLDIER'S DEATH AT DONCASTER Private Thomas Allen of the 7th Notts and Derby Supernumerary Corps, was killed whilst on guard at the Sandall Bridge over the Great Central Railway, near Doncaster, on Saturday morning. On leaving the guard’s shelter on the side of the line, Allen was caught by a passing train and cut to pieces. This is the third fatality of the kind which has occurred at the same spot, during the time that the bridge has been guarded. At the last inquest some strong expressions of opinion came from the jurymen on the subject. The inquest on Pte Allen will be held today. The deceased’s home was at Nottingham.

Registers of Soldiers' Effects: Allen ALIAS Halleron. Thomas' widow, Kate, was his sole legatee but a payment was made to his son John in May 1920 by which time Kate had probably died. DEATH CERTIFICATE (extracts) Registration District: Bawtry & Tickhill. Inquest held: 21 February 1916, ‘Accidental Death’ Date of death: 19 February 1916 Place: Great Central Railway, Sandall Bridge. Name: Thomas Allen Age: 57 years Occupation: Private, 7th Notts & Derby Regiment No 5 Company, stationed at the Guild Hall, Doncaster, formerly a bricklayers labourer of 9 (-) Street, Radford Road, Hyson Green, Nottingham. He is not commemorated on either St Paul Hyson Green or St Stephen Hyson Green parish memorials. Article published on 19th February 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “NOTTM. SOLDIER KILLED. “RUN OVER BY EXPRESS WHILE GUARDING A BRIDGE. “A National Reservist named Thomas Allen, of Nottingham, was killed early this morning [19th February 1916] at Long Sandall, near Doncaster. “While guarding a bridge, he apparently failed to see an express train advancing, and was run-over.” Death notice published 22nd February 1916 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “HOLLORAN. – Private Thomas Holloran (nee Allen) who was accidentally killed doing his duty on February 20. Funeral, Basford Cemetery, Wednesday, [23rd February 1916] 3.30.” 'In memoriam' notice published 19th February 1917 in the Nottingham Evening Post :- “ALLEN. – In loving memory of my dear husband, Private Thomas Allen, accidentally killed February 19th, 1916. A day of remembrance sad to recall. R.I.P. – Sorrowing wife and sons (with the colours.” Above notices are courtesy of Jim Grundy and his facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918