William Allen rededication at Monmouth cemetery. 4th July 2018

As you can see his VC made a guest appearance.

William Allen rededication at Monmouth cemetery. 4th July 2018 DSC01135

William Allen rededication at Monmouth cemetery. 4th July 2018 DSC01139

William Allen rededication at Monmouth cemetery. 4th July 2018 DSC01143

Photo and text by Tim Needham.

"Cpl Allen was 35 when he received the Victoria Cross from Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle in December 1879 for his actions, after which he was promoted.

He served as an instructor with the 4th Volunteer Battalion in Monmouth and died in service.

Prior to his army career, he had been an assistant schoolmaster at the Brecon Barracks.

Ian Lawrence, Commander of the Combined Cadet Force at Monmouth School, said Cpl Allen was a fantastic soldier, but had a lengthy record for misdemeanours.

He said: "He wasn't a particularly decent soldier in terms of conduct, his conduct record was as long as my arm, he loses his stripe for drinking too much and abusing an officer.

"However he was taught to read and write by his Sergeant Major and he turned his life around".

» Philips Park Cemetery. 24th July 2011 Service or Re-Dedication of Plaques Commemorating.
» Cpl. William Wilson Allen
» A Rededication Ceremony In Memory of Rorke's Drift Defender William Wilcox. 8th May 2011 Dolton Devon.