Allan, Archibald (1889 - 1918)

Captain, 4th Bn. Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry

Buried at Montecchio Precalcino Communal Cemetery Extension

Commemorated at Carntyne Old Church

Archibald Allan was born on the 31st December 1889, in Shettleston, Lanarkshire. He was the son of the Reverend James and Mary Allan, nee Muir, living in Shettleston, Lanarkshire. Archibald came to Glasgow University in September 1908 and graduated MA on the 22nd November 1913, and also BSc in Agriculture on the 22nd June 1914. His home address during this time was listed as 5 Huntly Terrace, Shettleston, Lanarkshire.

The London Gazette, dated 28th December 1915, reports that Private Archibald Allan, from The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders, was to be commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), dated 23rd December 1915.

2nd Lieutenant Archibald Allan was awarded the Military Cross (MC) on the 25th May 1917. The citation read:

2nd Lt. Archibald Allan, Sco. R., attd. Ox. & Bucks. L.I. "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his platoon with great courage and initiative. On one occasion his coolness in dealing with an enemy strong point was largely responsible for the success of the operation."

Subsequently, Archibald Allan was promoted to Lieutenant and then Captain while serving with the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Captain Archibald Allan died of his wounds on the 17th June 1918, and is buried in the village of Montecchio Precalcino Communal Cemetery extension, some 10 miles north of Vicenza, Italy. He was 28 years of age. He is also commemorated on the Carntyne Old Church memorial, which is now housed in Shettleston New Parish Church (see the Scottish War Memorials Project, in the east end of Glasgow.