Phillip Allen

This story is shared by the Trust with kind permission from Mavis Williams, Researcher.

Phillip Allen’s birth was registered in the December quarter of 1920 at West Derby, Lancashire, he was the son of Samuel & Bertha Blanche Allen (née Cannon) who had married in the March quarter of 1909 in West Derby, Lancashire.

The first time we see Phillip Allen is on the 1921 census, which was taken on the 19th of June 1921. The family were living at 2, Laburnum Road, Liverpool and the head of the household was Samuel Allen, 31 years and 5 months old, born in Burtersett, Hawes, Yorkshire. He was a Cow Keeper on his own Account, at Home. His wife, Bertha Blanche Allen, was 32 years and 8 months old and had been born in Westmoreland. Their children were Bertha Allen, 12 years and 5 months old, Edna Elizabeth 8 years and 9 months old, Alice Allen, 2 years old and Philip (sic) Allen 9 months old.

Also in the household was Samuel's brother, William Sheldon Allen, 30 years and 2 months old, single, born in Burtersett, Yorkshire, a Cow Man (at Home) and their father father, Felix Sayer Allen, 62 years and 8 months old, a Widower, born in Hawes, Yorkshire and a Nephew, James Varty, 13 years and 7 months old, born in Stanley, Liverpool as had all the children.

Sadly, at the end of July 1925, the family were to lose their main bread winner when Samuel died, aged 39 years. The 1939 National Register, which was taken on the 29th of September 1939, gives us an further insight into the family, although it was now much smaller. The family are now living at 22, Pleasant View, Liverpool and Bertha was head of the household but there is no sign of Phillip so I am wondering if he was already in the Forces.

In 1944 he was serving with 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales' Volunteers) who landed on Queen sector, Sword Beach on D-Day. The British Army Casualty list records that he was killed in action at some point on that day.

His mother and family were devasted by his death and she had a notice put in the Liverpool Echo dated the 28th of June 1944 which reads: - “On Active Service.” ALLEN, - June – 1944, killed in action, PHILLIP, my beloved son.   Sadly missed by his mother, wife of the late Samuel Allen, also dearest brother of Bertha, Edna, Nellie, Alice, Tom (B.N.A.F.),  Albert (C.M.F.), brothers-in-law Bob, Ernie, Frank – 24, Pleasant View, Binns Road.”

 Also, the next year, again in the Liverpool Echo dated the 6th of June 1945, two notices were posted. - “In Memorium.” ALLEN – Cherished memories of my dear son, Philip(sic), killed Normandy, June 1944. (A deed so bravely done, his life son nobly given.)   Mother, 24, Pleasant View.

ALLEN – Fondest memories of our dearest brother Philip, killed in action June 1944.   Always in our thoughts – Loving Sisters and Brother (C.M.P.)