Survivor of the Charge of the Light Brigade.

Corporal in the 13th Light Dragoons.

Promoted to Sergeant in 1855 and later Squadron Sergeant Major.

Became a landlord for the Swan Hotel in Leek.

John Allen passed away in 1894.

Bio:

John Allen was born in Bradfield, Berkshire 14th February 1826, the son of Henry an Agricultural Labourer and Martha Allen, he was baptised at Bradfield on 4th January 1827. John attested for the 13th Light Dragoons in London 2nd November 1843 aged 17 years 8 months, he gave his occupation as Labourer. Promoted Corporal 1st October 1854, Sergeant 6th August 1855 and Troop Sergeant Major 7th February 1865. His service abroad totalled 2 years in the Crimea and 1 year 7 months in Canada. Awarded one penny a day extra pay for "Good Swordsmanship". Discharged to pension 5th June 1868 at Canterbury having completed 24 years 217 days service, awarded a pension of 2 shillings per day, this was increased to 2 shillings and 8 pence per day on ceasing to be on the Permanent Staff of the Staffordshire Yeomanry 21st August 1883.

John married Harriet Littleton 11th January 1859 in St James, Dublin, Ireland, the couple were to have five children. The 1871 census records he is residing at 49 Rose Bank Street, Tittesworth, Staffordshire with his wife Harriet a Dressmaker, and three children, Mary a daughter is recorded as being born in Toronto, Canada when he was serving there. Johns served for 9 years and 307 days as an Instructor in the Staffordshire Yeomanry, he retired 31st October 1883. In 1881 he was Landlord of the Queen's Arms (now The Blue Mugge), Osborne Street, Leek. The 1891 census records he is Landlord of the Swan Hotel (now The Green Dragon), 2 Edward Street, Leek residing with his wife, two daughters and a servant.

His Commanding Officer wrote –

"His conduct has been Very Good and he was, when promoted, in possession of four Good Conduct Badges and would, had he not been promoted have been now in possession of five Good Conduct Badges. He has the Crimea Medal with clasps for Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann and Sebastopol, a Medal with a Gratuity of £10 for Distinguished Conduct in the Field and for Long Service and Good Conduct with a Gratuity of £5. Three times entered in the Regimental Defaulter's Book, never tried by Court Martial".

Recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal by his Commanding Officer 13th February 1855, Medal ordered from the Royal Mint 24th August 1855 for the charge.

Attended the first Balaklava Banquet in 1875, a member of the Balaklava Commemoration Society in 1879, signed the Loyal Address to HM The Queen in 1887 on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, attended the annual Balaklava dinner in 1892.

John Allen died on 30th July 1894 aged 68 years, he was buried with full Military Honours, the memorial stone to him in Leek Cemetery reads –

"To the memory of a brave soldier, Troop Sergeant Major John Allen, who rode in the ranks of the 13th Light Dragoons in the charge of Balaklava, October 25th 185. He died at Leek July 30th 1894 aged 68 years. Erected to his memory by a few of the townsmen and past and present officers and men of the Leek Troop of the Staffs (Queen's Own Royal Yeomanry) of which he was for many years Sergeant Major"

Also –

"In loving memory of Harriet, widow of the late Sergeant Major John Allen, who died March 16th 1896 aged 66 years".

From: The Devon and Cornish Post 11th August 1894 page 3 and several other Newspapers

One Of The "Six Hundred"

One of the few survivors of the famous charge of the Light Brigade, Sergeant Major John Allen, Landlord of the Swan Hotel, Leek, Staffordshire died on Monday night, after a short but painful illness borne with heroic fortitude. Born in 1826, he joined the Army when 16 years (sic) of age and rode in the third line as Corporal, 13th Light Dragoons on the memorable day, October 24th 1854. Although his horse was shot dead when close to the Russian batteries, he escaped unhurt, and took part in the remainder of the Crimea campaign. His term of service came to an end in Canada, and he came straight to Leek as a Drill Sergeant to the Leek Troop of Queen's Own Yeomanry about 25 years ago. For many years he maintained the position with credit to himself and advantage to the Troop, indeed in all his various capacities he won and retained, the deep respect and affection of all with whom he came into contact. He leaves a widow and three daughters.

From a letter written by Sergeant Thomas Johnson, 13th Light Dragoons to his brother published in The Morning Post Wednesday 20th November 1854

"On 25th October (1854) the enemy advanced and stormed our advanced positions on some hills, which were fortified, and unfortunately occupied by the Turks, but the rascals fled before the Russian came within 150 yards of the forts, our Artillery came up, and the Russians recovered the guns, where were exposed to shot and shell for upwards of two hours, but the positions were lost, we slowly retired a short distance. The Russians advanced direct on to us, on the ground of our camp. Our heavy Dragoons were ordered to charge them and they fled, although their numbers were sufficient to overwhelm our handful of cavalry.

At the time the Light Brigade formed up on the left, on some ground which commanded a long valley about two miles long, at the end of which the enemy retired. By some misunderstanding, we were ordered to advance and charge the guns, which they had formed up full in our front at the extreme end, and here took place a scene which is unparalleled in history. We had scarcely advanced a few yards before they opened up on us with grape shot and shell. It was a perfect level, the ground only enough for the 17th (Lancers) and 13th to advance, the rest of the Brigade following. To our astonishment they had erected batteries on each side of the hills, which commanded the whole valley, consequently a dreadful cross fire opened on us from both sides and in front, but it was too late to do anything but advance, which we did in a style truly wonderful, every man feeling certainty that we must be annihilated. Still we continued on, reached the very guns, charged them, took them, but there being no support, we were obliged to retire, almost being cut up.

Out of our Regiment (13th Light Dragoons) we assembled only ten mounted men, and one or two officers. Two Captains were killed and one Lieutenant our Commanding Officer had gone home sick, Poor Weston was killed and two Sergeant Majors taken prisoner, the others were either killed, taken prisoner or dismounted. Of the remainder that retired, and here the firing was hotter than ever, for the infantry aimed at us as we passed them. I escaped – thank God, without a scratch, but my poor horse got shot through the head and in the hind quarters and a lance went through my shoe bag".