Arthur Allan was born in Palmerston, Ontario on September 18, 1891, the son of James Alexander Allan and Florence (nee McArthur) Allan, of 382 Brock Street, later 239 Mitton Street, Sarnia. His many siblings included Mabel Florence (born 1884); William Albert (born 1886); James Howard (born 1889, see below); Mary Violet (born 1889); Robert Earl (born 1893); Sarah Gladys (born 1894); Edna B. (born 1899); and Velma (born 1900). The family were members of Central United Church. Arthur enlisted in Sarnia on January 13, 1915, with the 34th Battalion. A bachelor at the time, he listed his occupation as a rig brakeman.
Arthur Allan and his brother James went overseas with the 34th Battalion, ‘D’ Company, arriving in England aboard the S.S. California on November 1, 1915. Both were later transferred to 23rd Battalion, then the 2nd Battalion, arriving in France May 26, 1916. In less than one month, both were transferred to 7th Battalion, Canadian Army Infantry, British Columbia Regiment, with the rank of Private. Both Arthur and his brother James would fight in the Battle of Mont Sorrel. Arthur would survive, but he would lose his brother James, who died on June 13, 1916. Arthur was then transferred to the Somme Front. On September 27, 1916, three months after his brother James’ death, Arthur Allan would lose his life while fighting at Hessian Trench near Courcellette, during the Battle of the Somme, France.
Arthur’s father would receive the following message from the militia headquarters at Ottawa not long afterwards:
To James Alexander Allan, 382 Brock Street, Sarnia
Sincerely regret to inform you, 602258, Private Arthur John Allan, infantry, officially reported missing since Sept. 27th, 1916. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge record office.
After receiving the above message, Arthur’s father received letters from two Sarnia young men who were on active service in France, telling him of the death of his son Arthur. Arthur Allan would later be officially listed as, Previously reported missing, now reported killed in action. Killed in trench leading up to Regina Trench in the Area of the Somme, France. Twenty-five year old Arthur Allan is buried in Cerisy-Gailly Military Cemetery, Somme, France, Grave III.A.6.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, K, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G