'For devotion to duty under heavy rifle and machine gun fire. During the enemy attack on LAGNICOURT at dawn on April 15th 1917. Prvts. Allen and [1821 Frederick Norman] Craig were Nos. 1 and 2 gunners of a Lewis Gun respectively. When enemy broke through on the left flank and attacked their company in rear, they carried their gun and ammunition to a position in front and under heavy fire from snipers and machine guns kept up a steady but deadly fire and repelling a heavy frontal attack, catching the enemy in a massed formation. By their soldiers qualities these two men materially assisted in holding an important position.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 140
Date: 27 August 1917

Regimental number	2905
Religion	Methodist
Occupation	Upholster
Address	Risdon Road, Hobart, Tasmania
Marital status	Single
Age at embarkation	20
Next of kin	J Allen, Risdon Road, Hobart, Tasmania
Previous military service	23rd Australian Army Service Corps
Enlistment date	26 July 1915
Rank on enlistment	Private
Unit name	12th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number	23/29/3
Embarkation details	Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on 27 September 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll	Lance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll	12th Battalion
Fate	Returned to Australia 12 April 1919
Medals	Military Medal 'For devotion to duty under heavy rifle and machine gun fire. During the enemy attack on LAGNICOURT at dawn on April 15th 1917. Prvts. Allen and [1821 Frederick Norman] Craig were Nos. 1 and 2 gunners of a Lewis Gun respectively. When enemy broke through on the left flank and attacked their company in rear, they carried their gun and ammunition to a position in front and under heavy fire from snipers and machine guns kept up a steady but deadly fire and repelling a heavy frontal attack, catching the enemy in a massed formation. By their soldiers qualities these two men materially assisted in holding an important position.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 140 Date: 27 August 1917

Cyril John ALLEN