Born at Heston [or nearby Hounslow], Middlesex c.1828.
Enlisted at Westminster on the 6th of December 1847.
Age: 18 years 10 months.
Height: 5' 8".
Trade: Carpenter.
Features: Sallow complexion. Brown eyes. Dark brown hair.
1851 Census
Piershill Barracks, Leith South, Midlothian.
John Allen, 23, Private Soldier, born Hounslow.
[Hounslow and Heston are adjacent.]
Sent to Scutari on the 27th of September 1854, but no date is recorded as to when he rejoined the regiment in the Crimea.
Sent from the Crimea to Scutari on the 1st of October 1855 and to England on the 1st of November:
"Deserted" on the 9th of October 1857 and rejoined the regiment on the 23rd of February 1858.
Tried by a Regimental Court-martial on the 24th of February and sentenced to 56 days' imprisonment with hard labour and to be marked with the letter "D." Also to "lose all previous service" by this conviction. This was, however, restored by War Office Authority dated the 28th of September 1862.
Discharged from Chatham Invalid Depot on the 6th of May 1862:
"Unfit for further service. Labours under chronic bronchitis, asthma and disease of the heart. The disease has been in existence for some time and was most probably induced by hardship and exposure during the Crimean campaign. Not aggravated by vice or mis-conduct. His state of health will prevent him from any possibility of ever being able to contribute to his own livelihood."
Conduct, "good". In possession of two Good Conduct badges.
He was aged 33 years 3 months.
Four times entered in the Regtl. Defaulter's book. Once tried by Court-martial.
Granted a pension of 8d. per day for 3 years.
Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasps for Alma, and Sebastopol, and the Turkish medal.
A letter was sent from the Horse Guards, dated the 16th of November 1857, to the Officer Commanding the 13th Light Dragoons:
"Sir, — In acknowledging the receipt of the proceedings of the Board held to enquire under which the man named in the margin [1343 John Allen] lost his Crimean medal, I am directed to acquaint you that unless more complete and conclusive evidence can be attended that the loss being attributable to circumstances entirely beyond the man's control, then HRH cannot recommend the issue of a fresh medal at public expense. But I am at the same time to inform you that he may have a fresh one at his own expense if he so desires,
I have, etc, etc.,
W.A. Forster, DAG."
In the Sebastopol clasp medal roll "Remarks" column is the date, 29/8/57, and "On C.O. List, (Sent)".
Said he intended to live in Parade Street, London, after discharge.
Died in the West London Pension District on the 1st of July 1864.
Death registered
John Allen, September Quarter 1864, Hendon.
Registration of death and Census information for 1851 kindly provided by Chris Poole.