James Allan was born in Palmerston, Ontario on December 23, 1889, the son of James Alexander 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); Mary Violet (born 1889); Arthur John (born 1891, see above); Robert Earl (born 1893); Sarah Gladys (born 1894); Edna B. (born 1899); and Velma (born 1900). The family were members of Central Baptist Church. James enlisted August 21, 1915 in Sarnia with the 34th Battalion. A bachelor at the time, he listed his occupation as a railway brakeman.
James Allan and his brother Arthur went overseas with the 34th Battalion, ‘D’ Compnay, 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. Within one month, on June 13, 1916, James Allan would lose his life while fighting on the final day of the Battle of Mont Sorrel, Belgium. His brother Arthur fought in the same battle, but survived. James Allan would officially be listed as, Killed in Action. Ypres (Mt. Sorrel).
Twenty-seven year old James is buried in Allan Railway Dugouts Burial Ground (Transport Farm), Belgium, Grave VI.D.17.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, K, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G