From the News

Pte. Harold D. Allen, 2nd Battalion C.E.F., formerly with the American Legion, awarded Military Medal

Dated: February 2, 1918

HEWARD BOY'S BRAVERY

PRIVATE H. D. ALLEN

Word has just reached here of the awarding of the Military Medal to Pte. Harold D. Allen, formerly of Heward, Sask., now serving with the Second Battalion in France. Pte. Allen is of American birth, having come to Canada some seven years ago from Clear Lake, South Dakota. He enlisted with the 212th American Legion¹ in June of 1916, was later transferred to the 97th battalion and went overseas in September.

Shortly after reaching England he contracted pneumonia, the effects of which detained him in England for several months. He finally reached France last September with the stretcher bearers section of the 2nd battalion. His first experience in the front line was a very exciting one, as they went "over the top" and took their objective and only on Christmas eve did Pte. Allen learn that he had been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery during his first trip in.

¹The 97th and 212th Battalions (American Legion) were units in the C.E.F. that attracted Americans. These units were broken up at the front and the men transferred to other units.

Transcribed by: M. I. Pirie