Birth

Enlistment Information

Military Service

Embarkation Information

Military Awards

Death

Biographical Notes

Alexander Allan, known as Alec, was born on 26 February 1888 at Allanburn Farm, Ashwick Flat, the fifth son of Robert and Helen (née Long) Allan. Robert Allan emigrated from Scotland in the mid-1860s and took up work as a shepherd then as station manager in the Mackenzie Country of South Canterbury. In 1877 he married New Zealand-born Helen Long. They were to have nine sons and three daughters. Mr Robert Allan was the first chairman of Ashwick Flat School, having been active in establishing the school. He held the position for some years. Our Ashwick School friends are fortunate in having of something like 50 acres of land attached to the school, so that though the quality is far from the best, ample room is afforded for the worthy observance of Arbor Day, and the local folk, headed by the energetic chairman, Mr R. Allan, are certainly not wanting in the excellent work of tree-planting, as illustrated, for instance, by this year’s performance — something like 400 trees being planted during the “Arbor Day” picnic. [Timaru Herald. 1 October 1912.] Back in August 1893, “Arbor Day was duly observed on Ashwick Flat, where a fair-sized gathering of residents and a great many children assembled in the school ground about midday. Three hundred trees, the gift of the chairman, Mr R. Allan were planted there in a short time. The ladies contributed a fair share of labour, and the children showed great interest in the new institution. An excellent tea, provided by the ladies of the district, was laid afterwards in the school, and dispensed by Mesdames Allen, Bain, and Harvey. A very pleasant day was brought to a conclusion by a social evening in the school; the only drawback to which being that many who would otherwise have come were prevented by the rain, which commenced about 4 o'clock in the afternoon.” The Allan children were educated at Ashwick Flat School, where young Alec who was admitted the day after his fifth birthday received a Standard I prize in 1895. Helen, Robert (junior) and Albert also featured among the prize-winners.

On 13 June 1912 at Duntroon, Alexander married Jane Elizabeth Mary Keefe (Jenny/Jennie), a sister of Edgar Joseph and Alexander Bruce Smith Keefe, who were also to see service in World War One. Their first child, Alexander Edgar Allan (Edgar), was born on 4 September 1912 at Mt Peel Station, Geraldine. Alexander may well have been the A. Allan, Timaru, who was one of five men to go north to enter the special camp for non-commissioned officers for the Sixteenth Reinforcements in early March 1916. They probably left Timaru with South Canterbury’s quota for the Fourteenth Reinforcements on 8 March. At the time of enlistment – 9 March 1916 at Trentham - Alexander was a shepherd at Mt Peel Station. He had been medically examined at Geraldine on 6 January 1916. He was 5 feet 9¾ inches tall, weighed 168 pounds, and had a chest measurement of 34-39½ inches, a fair complexion fair, brown eyes and black hair. His sight, hearing, colour vision and teeth were all good, his limbs and chest well formed, and his heart and lungs normal. Teeth good. He was free from illnesses and diseases and in good bodily and mental health though not vaccinated. He had a pigmentary patch on his right cheek and a mole on his back. Married and Presbyterian, he named his wife as next-of-kin – Mrs Alexander Allan, Ashwick Flat, Fairlie.

Corporal Allan was posted to the 16th N.C.O.s on 9 March 1916, and he was transferred to E Company on 18 April. Promoted to Lance-Sergeant on 19 June 1916, he was then promoted to Sergeant (16th Reinforcements) on 14 August. Sergeant A. Allan embarked with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade of the 16th Reinforcements, departing from Wellington per the “Aparima” on 19 August 1916. Admitted to the Transport’s Hospital on 28 September, suffering from influenza, he returned to duty on 13 October. Disembarking at Devonport, England on 25 October, he marched into Sling and was posted to No. 5 Reserve. The next day he reverted to the rank of Temporary Corporal. On 15 November 1916, Allan embarked for active service overseas (France) where he was posted to the 4th Battalion on 4 December and relinquished the temporary appointment of Corporal, reverting to Rifleman. Five months after Alexander left New Zealand - on 11 January 1917 – a son was born to the wife of Sergeant A. Allan (16th Reinforcements) at Nurse Dobier’s, Victoria Street, Russell Square, Timaru (Wilfred Alexander George Allan).

Sent to Hospital, sick, on 8 February 1917, Alexander Allan was admitted firstly to No. 3 New Zealand Field Ambulance, then to No.2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station. As of 24 February 1917, Alexander Allan was dangerously ill at No. 2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station in France, with lobar pneumonia. Mrs Allan, Fairlie received a cable message to this effect soon after. On 28 February Alexander was admitted to No. 2 Australia General Hospital at Wimereux. Having embarked for England per Hospital Ship “St Denis” on 4 March 1917, he was admitted to No. 2 New Zealand General Hospital at Walton-on-Thames Hospital on 5 March 1917, with bronchial pneumonia (slight). About a week later, at the New Zealand General Hospital at Brockenhurst, he was removed from the Dangerously Ill list. Having been transferred to Walton on Thames Hospital, improving, on 2 May he was transferred to the Convalescent Depot at Hornchurch. In mid-May, Mrs Alec Allan, Fairlie, received the following from the Base Records, Wellington: — “A cable received to-day reports 22,625, Sergeant Alex Allan, transferred to convalescent depot, Hornchurch, on May 2nd.” Leaving Hornchurch on 30 June 1917, he went on leave then reported to Codford on 16 July. A Medical Board was assembled at the New Zealand Command Depot at Codford on 28 August 1917, to report on the disability – Debility following Pneumonia – of Rifleman Alexander Allan, 22625. His disability originated in France on 6 February 1917, when he had pneumonia. After 5 weeks in a French Hospital, he was at Walton from 5 March to 2 May 1917, at Hornchurch from 2 May to 21 June 1917, and at Codford from 16 July. An infection with pneumonia had caused his disability. At this date, the patient was short of breath and had pain in his left side but had no marked physical signs. His disability which was due to active service and the climate (exposure), was not permanent but would last for some months. The Board recommended discharge to New Zealand for six months as he was unfit for active service. Rifleman A. Allan was classified unfit by the Medical Board on 10 September 1917 and reported at the Discharge Depot at Torquay from the Command Depot at Codford on 12 September.

Private Alexander Allan returned to New Zealand per the Hospital Ship “Tainui” (Draft 130), which brought home 442 invalided soldiers (no serious cases, all walking cases). He embarked at Plymouth on 2 November 1917 and, arriving at Auckland on 3 January 1918, reached Lyttelton by ferry steamer on 5 January 1918. The men had benefited very much from the trip home, reported the Auckland Star and the Sun. Good weather largely contributed to the comfort and happiness of the troops during the journey. A Provisional Medical Board was assembled on board the Troopship “Tainui” at the Port of Auckland on 3 January 1918, to assess his debility following pneumonia. He was improving and, although permanently unfit for Active Service, would be fit for light Civil Employment. Discharge was recommended. He was discharged on 31 January 1918, no longer physically fit for war service on account of illness contracted on active service and awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Alex was one of six local men welcomed home at a social in the Fairlie Public Hall in mid-January 1918. The hall was crowded, extra seating having to be provided. The hall decorations were “becomingly patriotic”, and the floor and supper (the latter provided by Mr T. Clarke, a baker who was the father of another local serviceman) were all that could be desired. The men were congratulated on their safe return and on the progress they had made towards renewed health. It was hoped that they would soon be completely recovered, and they were thanked for their part in the great war. After reference was made to the hardships, sacrifices and sufferings entailed in the carrying out of their duty, hearty cheers were given for all the returned men. Music, singing and dancing and games occupied the evening until shortly after midnight, when the National Anthem and renewed cheers for the returned men brought proceedings to a close.

After the war, Alexander and his wife established their farm (Waikari Hills) at Peel Forest. Two farewell presentations were held at Peel Forest in September-October 1922, both functions taking place at the residence of Mr and Mrs A. Allan, and on both occasions these most excellent “hosts” made everyone feel welcome and “at home”. Alex Allan had a long association with the Geraldine Collie Dog Club, being elected a vice-president at the annual meeting in December 1924, and again in the years following until at least 1941. At the Temuka and Geraldine A. and P. Association’s show in 1927, he was awarded first prize for his smooth-haired sheep dog; and at the Mackenzie Show a few weeks later, first prize for his short haired working collie dog. At the Winchester Show in 1933, it was his long-haired sheep dog which gained him second prize. He was appointed to two sub-committees to carry out the Collie Club’s trials on 12 and 13 April 1928 – the Ground committee and the Programmes and Sheep-Guessing committee. He was appointed to these same sub-committees in 1930. For the 1939 trials, he was appointed to the Grounds committee and the Competitions committee, and to these same committees in 1940. Mr Alex. Allan gave a challenge cup for the dog scoring most points in the open driving competition at the Geraldine Collie Dog Club’s trials. In 1939, he and two others were appointed to represent the club at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Collie Dog Club Association.

In May 1927 he was elected to a general committee to administer the Peel Forest new hall. Mr and Mrs A. Allan were present when the young people held their annual ball in the Peel Forest Hall on 27 July 1928. It was the Peel Forest Tennis Club’s dance which they attended in 1932. On Saturday evening, 6 October 1928, “a gale of unprecedented violence struck the Geraldine district. The big wind started about 7 o’clock, after a heavy blow during the afternoon, and increased in strength till about 8 o’clock, when it reached the dimensions of a full gale which continued till after midnight, with intermittent gusts which must have reached a terrific velocity.” The Four Peaks electric power line went out of commission; telephone lines were down all over the countryside; and individual losses were heavy. Mr Alex. Allan, Peel Forest, had the hood lifted clean off his motor car. In May 1930, Mr A. Allan was elected a vice-president of the Peel Forest Miniature Rifle Club, and re-elected in May 1933. At the Mt Peel Football Club’s meeting in October 1932, a vote of thanks was accorded Mrs A. Allan for donating a cake for a guessing competition held at the wind-up dance. She made a cake for competition at the Mt Peel Football Club’s annual ball again in May 1933.

Mrs Allan, herself, met with success when she won the Cottage Garden competition (Peel Forest Horticultural Society) in January 1934. In 1935 she was elected a vice-president of the Horticultural Society. Mr and Mrs A. Allan were present at the first annual dance and presentation of trophies of the Mt. Peel Station Miniature Rifle Club which was held in the Peel Forest Hall in November 1934. Mr Allan was elected a vice-president of the Horticultural Society in 1936. The second annual meeting of the Rangitata Gorge Sports Club was held at Raules Creek, Mount Peel, in February 1935 and was an outstanding success. Mr A. Allan was a member of the organising committee and Mrs Allan made a donation. At the 1936 sports, Mr A. Allan, a committee member, ran the side shows and Mrs A. Allan presented a cake for competition. In 1938, A. Allan finished second the open trot horse event. There was keen competition at the Timaru Wool Sale in December 1935 when Mr A. Allan, Peel Forest, offered his Corriedale wool. He had a good offering again in March 1937. Mr Alec. Allan was appointed a steward for the Geraldine Racing Club’s meeting on 21 and 23 September 1939, and again for the 1940, 1941 and 1943 meetings. Mr A. Allan was elected to the Peel Forest School committee in 1940. Also in 1940, Mr and Mrs A. Allan donated to the Sick, wounded and Distress Fund.

Alexander Allan died suddenly at his residence, Waikari Hills, Peel Forest, on 9 August 1950, aged 62 years, and was buried in the Peel Forest Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. Geraldine RSA members assembled at Mt Peel Cemetery to attend his funeral. The Peel Forest Miniature Rifle Club shoot was postponed for a week out of respect. Alexander had signed his Will in October 1948. He appointed his wife and two sons (Alexander Edgar and Wilfred Lloyd George) as executors and trustees. He empowered them to carry on his sheep-farming business with full powers in respect of financing and management. His wife was to receive income from the estate and allowed the use, occupation and benefit of same. After her death, the property was to be held in trust for his son Wilfred and daughter Shona Helen May Heney as tenants in common. The estate and effects of Alexander Allan were valued at under £11000. His wife, Jane Elizabeth Allan, died in March 1975 and was buried with him. She entrusted all her estate to her three children in equal shares, assigning her motor car specifically to her daughter. Alexander’s brother Walter Allan also served in World War One. Three other brothers – Richard Allan (who had served in the South African War), George James Allan and William Alan Allan - were listed on the Reserve Rolls, George going on to enlist. Both sons of Alexander and Jenny – Alexander Edgar Allan and Wilfred Lloyd George Allan – served in World War Two, as did several nephews – Walter Alexander Yates, Walter Deryck Allan (prisoner of war in Italy, 1942), Robert Allan Cartwright, Leslie George Allan, Ronald Wright Allan, and Lyndsay Wilfred Allan who served with the Seaforth Highlanders and was safe back in Scotland in May 1945 after five years as a prisoner of war in Germany. Mr Robert Allan who had died in 1926 and Mrs Helen Allan in 1938 were buried at Fairlie. These Mackenzie County pioneers had taken an active interest in the district in which they raised their twelve children, all of whom survived them.

Alexander’s name is inscribed on the Ashwick Flat War Memorial Roll of Honour for returned men. The Ashwick Flat Memorial was unveiled in June 1921 in the presence of about 250 people. The National Anthem was sung at the beginning of proceedings, addresses were given by local dignitaries, the hymn “Oh God Our Help in Ages Past” was sung, a prayer of dedication was offered and all gathered joined in the Lord’s Prayer. After the unveiling a piper played “The Flowers of the Forest” and the bugler sounded “The Last Post”. A memorial oak had been planted before the ceremony. Engraved on the west side of this impressive monument are the names of seven men who fell in the Great War, while on another side are the names of twenty-nine 1914-1918 Returned men, A. Allan and W. Allan among them. The 1939-1945 Returned panel lists R. L. Allan and R. W. Allan.

Sources

Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph Database [03 May 2015]; NZ Defence Force Personnel Records (Archives NZ Ref. AABK 18805 W5520 0007500) [03 May 2015]; NZ BDM Historical Records (Department of Internal Affairs) [03 May 2015]; School Admission records (South Canterbury Branch NZSG) [27 December 2024]; South Canterbury Times, 7 August 1893, 30 April 1894, Timaru Herald, 8 August 1893, 10 October 1895, 30 April 1908, 1 October 1912, 7 March 1916, 13 January 1917, 5 March 1917, 15 May 1917, 5 & 22 January 1918, 12 October 1922, 4 November 1924, 17 December 1924, 9 December 1925, 7 December 1926, 19 April 1927, 17 May 1927, 17 January 1928, 6 March 1928, 6 August 1928, 10 October 1928, 8 January 1929, 5 March 1930, 20 May 1930, 23 March 1932, 14 & 18 October 1932, 28 January 1933, 31 March 1933, 30 May 1933, 1 June 1933, 30 January 1934, 20 November 1934, 21 February 1935, 13 June 1935, 17 December 1935, 10 & 18 February 1936, 8 April 1936, 30 May 1936, 16 March 1937, 26 November 1937, 8 February 1938, 13 September 1938, 14 February 1939, 1 July 1939, 6 November 1939, 27 February 1940, 24 April 1940, 5 June 1940, 2 July 1940, 13 January 1941, 15 March 1941, 19 July 1941, 24 July 1943, Evening Post, 17 August 1916, 3 January 1918, NZ Times, 18 August 1916, 16 March 1917, 3 January 1918, Sun, 3 January 1918, Auckland Star, 3 January 1918, Press, 4 January 1918, Temuka Leader, 14 June 1921, 4 November 1924, 7 December 1926, 2 April 1927, 8 March 1928, 7 August 1928, 4 September 1928, 9 October 1928, 8 January 1929, 4 March 1930, 23 March 1932 (Papers Past) [11 September 2014; 09 October 2014; 03 & 11 May 2015; 07 February 2018; 25 March 2020; 04 January 2021; 27 & 28 December 2024; 10 & 11 January 2025]; Timaru Herald, 10 & 12 August 1950 (Timaru District Library) [04 May 2015]; Mt Peel Church of the Holy Innocents headstone transcription (South Canterbury Branch NZSG cemetery records microfiche) [04 May 2015]; Probate record (Archives NZ/FamilySearch) [13 July 2015]; NZ Electoral Rolls (ancestry.com.au) [27 December 2024]

External Links

• Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph record
• Military personnel file

Related Documents

• ALLAN Alexander, 22625 - newspaper clippings (pdf, 136.5 KB updated 18-Feb-2025)

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