Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Chief Petty Officer W. Allen, Royal Navy

Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, no clasp (W. Allen. A.B. H.M.S. “Tamar”.); Khedive’s Star 1882, unnamed as issued, light contact marks, very fine (2) £140-180

William Allen was born at Croydon, Surrey, on 28 September 1860 and joined the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class on 8 September 1876, serving in H.M.S. Fisgard. Advanced to Ordinary Seaman on 1 October 1878, and to Able Seaman on 1 January 1880, he joined H.M.S. Tamar on 1 June 1881 and served in her during the Egyptian Campaign. Promoted Leading Seaman on 16 June 1883 on joining H.M.S. Duncan, he was advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class on 30 August 1887, serving as Captain’s Coxswain in H.M.S. St. Vincent, before moving to H.M.S. Canada. He deserted on 1 August 1890, and was on the run for nearly two years, finally being captured on 19 May 1892, and was sentenced to 28 days in Lewes Gaol. Reduced to Able Seaman, he was re-advanced to Petty Officer 1st Class on 16 June 1895, being further promoted to Acting Chief Petty Officer on 7 April 1899. He was discharged on 17 August 1900, after almost 24 years’ service.