Brenda McMahon has submitted the following:-
Allen Robinson Coltman was born in Bishop Middleham in 1889 and baptised later that year on 28th July. His parents were Jonathan and Elizabeth (nee Adamson) who married at Sedgefield on October 8th 1883. They went on to have 4 children together although one died.
In 1891 the family were at Bishop Middleham where Jonathan worked as a joiner/cartwright. Daughter, Ruth and son, Allen were also at the home although Adamson is not mentioned.
The 1911 census shows the family much the same as before. Jonathan had progressed in his trade as he was now an employer. Both sons, Adamson and Allan, were working in their shop whilst daughter, Ruth did domestic housework. The family lived at Fishburn now.
Allen joined the Durham Light Infantry as service number 39240 but was later transferred as number 449351 to 281st Labour Corps. Having survived the hostilities Allen died from died from pneumonia on March 4th 1919.
Medals: British War Medal and Victory Medal
Allen’s brother, Adamson, also fought in the Great War. He served with the 7th Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment and died of wounds July 10th 1917.
Allen R. Coltman is remembered in Fishburn on F39.01 and F39.03
