Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 54 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

June 11th, 1940

Citation:
"In May 1940, this officer was detailed to intercept an enemy raider approaching this country. He proceeded as far as Dunkerque and between that place and Calais on his return journey, he observed thirty Junkers 88's engaged in bombing Calais. Although alone, he climbed to attack an badly damaged one enemy aircraft, whereupon the remainder of the formation disappeared in the clouds. Two days later, in company with a second aircraft, he escorted a trainer aircraft to Calais Marck aerodrome, for the purpose of rescuing a squadron commander who had been shot down there. The trainer aircraft was attacked by twelve Messerschmitt 109's whilst taking off after the rescue, but Pilot Officer Allen in company with the other escorting aircraft immediately engaged these forces. Three of the enemy aircraft were shot down and a further three badly damaged."

London Gazette dated 11th June 1940.