BORN HULL 1889. SON OF THOMAS WEBSTER (1850-1925) & EMILY COLLISON (1847-1942), OF NORTH FERRIBY & HULL. AN ARCHITECTS CLERK. (HDM 13/12/1914). PLAYED RUGBY FOR HULL & EAST RIDING. SERVED WITH THE 5TH EAST YORKSHIRE BATTALIN. KILLED IN ACTION, ON 26/08/2017, AGED 27. HE LEFT AN ESTATE OF £1,142. HIS DEATH WAS REPORTED IN THE HULL DAILY MAIL ON 13TH DECEMBER 1918. BURIED AT CATERPILLAR VALLEY CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL, SOMME, FRANCE.
Acting Captain Thomas Gordon Allen (born in 1889 and resided in Swanland House, Swan Lane, East Yorkshire) was killed at the Battle at the Ancre River, on the 26th August 1918 and is buried at Caterpillar Valley Cemetry, Longueval Plot: VII. D. 19. He was an Architects Articled Clerk. He served with the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment 5th (Cyclist) Battalion (Territorial) D Company (Regimental number 35672).
On the 26th August 1918 at 5.15am, the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment formed up on the line Blue Cot for an attack to the Ligny-Tilloy/Flers road, with 9 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on their left, 15 Durham Light Infantry on right, 12 Yorkshire Regiment and 1 section B Company —- in support. The advance was commenced without barrage at 7am. On reaching the crest of the higher ground the hostile machine gun fire was so heavy that cover was soon taken in shell holes and a certain amount of disorganisation set in. The advance was soon re-continued. Here the battalion ceased to be support and became involved in the front line fighting and they pushed on to within 150 yards of their objective. Attempts were made to form a line. No touch could be gained with the flanks. Heavy machine gun fire came from the high ground behind Luisenhof Farm road and were enfiladed badly from the flanks. They — started to push on the left and the Hun started a minor attack. 26th August 1918 at 1pm. The line withdrew to Yellow Cot where companies tried to reorganise against further counter attacks. A strong party of Germans tried to form a post and Stokes [mortar] ammunition was sent for. 26th August 1918 at 5pm. 2 [Stokes mortar] guns got into action and ranged on enemy post. It was rushed and a few enemy were killed but unfortunately the remainder of the garrison escaped. Two German light MGs captured. Yellow Cot line held by nightfall and all this time the enemy sniped vigorously.
26th August 1918 at 9pm. Orders received to withdraw to a position of support, east of the Butte de Warlencourt. The Batallion left Yellow Cot about 11pm. Casualties: they were very heavy, the heaviest through these operations. Killed: Captain A.R. Case MC and Lt T.G. Allen, [plus] 9 Other Ranks. Wounded: Captain R.H. Ewing MC (the Adjutant), Lt G.W. Chamberlain, 2/Lt G. Wyatt, 2/Lt Ashbridge and 2/Lt H.C. Grumitt, 13 other ranks and 43
missing. (Source: An account of the 23/24th Aug, LIEUT. S. W. HOWARD. M.C.)
