Peter Wise and Brenda McMahon have submitted the following:-
Fred was born at Barnard Castle in 1896. It is possible that his parents were George and Agnes (nee Robinson), residents of Harwood but this would need to be confirmed. He was certainly adopted when he was a small boy by Peter and Jane McVoy of Cappies’ Yard, Bridgegate.
Peter and Jane McVoy were an older couple who although married for 40 years were childless. For whatever reason, the couple decided to adopt young Frederick Allison. He is certainly showing as their son, aged 6 years, on the 1901 census.
Father Peter, originated from Ballykeel, Ireland. He worked as a general labourer at the public works. Young Fred had a job as an errand boy for the greengrocer in 1911.
Fred married Maria Jones in the early months of 1916 so they had been married for little over a year before Fred was killed. Their son Frederick Henry was born 25th November 1916.
Fred joined the army to serve with 24th Battalion (Tyneside Irish) Northumberland Fusiliers.
Fred was possibly killed in the Rouex area where several divisions were fighting in April 1917. He is buried in the nearby cemetery.
Rouex village in France was built over a system of caves which helped to make its capture extremely difficult. The village was important as there was a chemical works close to the railway station. After incessant fighting the village was eventually taken but soon lost again to the Germans.
Maria was living at 41 Bridge Gate Barnard Castle when she applied for a pension for herself and son.
Recipient of the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Frederick Allison is remembered at Barnard Castle on B135.02 as Allinson, on B135.23 and B135.25 as Allison
He is also listed on Casualties of WW1 1914-1922, Ireland.
