I am trying to ascertain what happened to a particular para. on behalf of a pre-war territorial colleague. The man in question was CSM (?) Reg Allen, originally 2/4 Bn. South Lancs, but then 13th Bn. Para regt. It is believed he died at Arnhem, knowing the depth and quality of the knowledge on this board its probably easier for me to ask here than start from scratch! I cant get ont o CWGC at the mo., if I can update his details later I will. Thanks Pete
I went through Geoffs and it worked first time! I would appreciate any info on the chap if it is known, also - the DSC wasnt known about - a pointer to info on that would be most appreciated. Thanks Pete Ps If englandphil is reading this..... is he on your memorial at Warrington?
Hi Peter, the 13th Battalion were not at Arnhem, but were in in the 6th Airborne Division for Normandy and Rhine Crossing. His details on CWGC are: Allen, Reginald Company Sergeant Major 3rd Bn, Parachute Regiment Age 23 KIA 19/09/1944 Service no. 3654909 Awarded Distinguished Service Cross Son of John Willie and Fanny Allen, of Warrington, Lancashire Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery The DSC is a very strange award for a soldier to have, even a SNCO - it is usually awarded to Naval officers. 23 is a young age for a CSM too.
Its an American DSC! London Gazette 15 February 1944 The KING has been pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decorations, which have been conferred on the undermentioned officers and other ranks, in recognition of distinguished services in the cause of the Allies: — DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Distinguished Service Cross. 3654909 C. Serjt. Reginald Allen, Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps.
Photograph of his headstone here: Casualty details No DSC on the headstone and the fact it is a Naval Officers award, I wonder if it is an error. Its an American DSC Edit: That will explain why its not on the headstone.
Hi Pete, Are you sure he was in 13 Para and just checked myself 3 Para I have a photo in fact here you go... Cheers Tom
CWGC :: Certificate The DSC has got me intrigued.....One of the few WW2 books I'm missing Its got me intrigued as well as given the date James posted, gazetted feb 44, prior to both Normandy and Arnhem,(also curious as to when he switched Battalions ref 13 to 3 Para) for what action did he recive the DSC, the 2/4th S Lancs became 13 Para in May 43 and so was the award while serving with them
Looked on the Pegasus archives there is no DSC award shown for anyone in 1st Airborne let alone 3 Para in Sicily so count that out if he was 3 para then.Might be worth somone who has a copy of Honour to the Airborne checking that, Paul Has a copy I know.
Thought I recognised the name...he was CSM of B Company and killed I believe by a mortar bomb blast at the same time as the OC Major Peter Waddy......somewhere near the SEH/Rhine Pavilion...... According to Honour to the Airborne Part 1 Allen was awarded the DSC on 15-2-1944 for distinguished conduct in Tunisia with the 3rd Btn......
Thought I recognised the name...he was CSM of B Company and killed I believe by a mortar bomb blast at the same time as the OC Major Peter Waddy......somewhere near the SEH/Rhine Pavilion...... According to Honour to the Airborne Part 1 Allen was awarded the DSC on 15-2-1944 for distinguished conduct in Tunisia with the 3rd Btn...... Saw you logged in just after I posted then up you pop with the Answer I really have to get me a copy of HTTA PT1
How do you know that he was in the 13th? Do you have his service record? (this would tell you everything you need to know). Seems strange that he would transfer to the 3rd. The 13th only got back from Normandy early september (unless he was in reserve company or was wounded early on).
How do you know that he was in the 13th? Do you have his service record? (this would tell you everything you need to know). Seems strange that he would transfer to the 3rd. The 13th only got back from Normandy early september (unless he was in reserve company or was wounded early on). As Medic said he was awarded the DSC for an action in Tunisia nov 42, with 3 Para who were still in N Africa around April 43 13 Para never came into being until May 43. I think we can safely say he was never in 13 Para.
Thanks for the info, very much appreciated. His cwgc entry does indeed show 3rd Bn. CWGC :: Casualty Details I dont know why i didnt read it properly first time. This query has come about whilst I have been trying to obtain info on the TF battalions of the South Lancs. The chap asking about CSM Allen was his childhood best friend and neighbour. The 3rd / 13th is a simple mistake, the assumption was that as Allen was 2/4th Bn then he would have been with the first draft for the 13th Bn., sorry! Am interested in his American DFC - any pointers on where I can start looking for details? Most of this is completely unknown, and is much appreciated. Thanks Pete
Peter, You may have some joy on WW2Forum ref the DSC. There are quite a few American books on their version of the medal. I've nearly ordered a few mistaking them for the British Naval variant. Andy
All, here are the details of his citation. Yes he was origanally South Lancs, although I didnt know which Battalion Distinguished Service Cross citation for Reginald Allen | ParaData He took part in the Battle of Arnhem during Op Market Garden. He died on 19 September 1944, aged 23 years old. He was originally given a field burial among ruined buildings near the riverside of the Arnhem Bridge area. Until 1982 he was interred at Oosterbeek as an unknown soldier before being positively identified. He is now buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem.
Phil, Thank you for that. He was a pre-war territorial with 2/4 Bn. I dont know when he transferred to 3rd Bn. Para Regt. Is he on the Warrington memorial? Cheers Pete
Phil, Thank you for that. He was a pre-war territorial with 2/4 Bn. I dont know when he transferred to 3rd Bn. Para Regt. Is he on the Warrington memorial? Cheers Pete Hi Pete, I work in Warrington, if I get a chance I will have a look for you tomorow, I sould have been in Scotland but its been canceled due to the weather