On the Pozieres Memorial, Somme, France, is the name of 11200 Private Francis Allen, serving with the 11th Battalion Royal Fusiliers who died 02/04/1918.

He was the son of Jane Allen, of Langley Moor, Co. Durham, and the late John Allen.  He was married to Rachel Ann Allen, of 21, Queen’s Road, Blackhill, Co. Durham. He was the Head Master, Benfieldside Senior Boys’ School, Blackhill.

Paul Heatherington has submitted the following:-

Francis (Frank) was born in the summer of 1878 in Shiney Row, near Houghton le Spring. His father was John William Allen, an engineman from Middle Rainton, who died in 1895. His mother, Jane Oxley, was from nearby Philadelphia. Francis was the fourth child in his family. His three older sisters were Hannah, Elizabeth and Mary Jane.

Francis trained as a teacher and by 1901, at the age of twenty-two, was already an Assistant Certificate schoolmaster. He married Rachel Ann Aydon in 1908. Their daughter, Gladys, was born in 1909. By 1911, Francis had achieved the role of Headteacher at Benfieldside Senior Boys School and the family were living in the School House at Benfieldside. They later moved to 21 Queens Road.

Francis enlisted to serve in the 11th Battalion of the London Regiment. He was killed in action in France on the 2nd April 1918 and is commemorated on the Pozieres memorial.

The Blaydon Courier 14/02/1920 Gleemen Welcome Home 1920 reports that Mr. Allen, the former conductor of the Choir, was one of two members who fell.

Francis Allen is remembered in Shotley Bridge on S27.03 and S27.07 and on our Lists of Teachers who fell in 1914-18 and Teachers who served in 1914-18.