David John Allis

Private David John Allis – Worcestershire Regiment, 2^nd Battalion

Early Life

John Allis and Catherine Davies
marriage certificate
St. James' church

David John was born in Swansea in 1878, the son of John Allis and Catherine Davies, who had married at St. James’ Church in 1866.

1881 Census

The 1881 Census places the family at 58 Wellington Street, Swansea. John, aged 40, was a general labourer born in Cloenburg, Germany, while Catherine, 38, came from Llanrhystud, Cardiganshire. They were raising five children, including David (aged 4).

1891 Census

By 1891, the family was still at the same address. John, now a naturalised British subject, continued working as a labourer. David, then 18, was employed as a messenger, while his siblings worked as a dressmaker and a railway checker.

1901 Census

In 1901, the family had moved to 8 Thomas Street, Swansea. John was employed at a timber yard, and David, aged 24, was still living at home with two of his sisters, both of whom were dressmakers. Catherine died the following year, aged 60, and was buried at Danygraig Cemetery.

1911 Census

The 1911 Census records John, now 73, living at 8 Coedsaeson Crescent, Sketty, with two of his children. David (33) was working as a labourer, and his sister Catherine, now 41, kept the household.

Military Service

Private David John Allis enlisted during the First World War and served with the Worcestershire Regiment, 2^nd Battalion. The battalion was part of the 2^nd Division, which saw heavy fighting on the Western Front.

In September 1915, the British launched their largest offensive to date, the Battle of Loos, intended to break through German defences in northern France. It was the first time the British army used poison gas on a large scale, and the opening assault saw initial gains but at a terrible cost in casualties. Fighting quickly turned into bitter, close-quarters combat in and around the ruined mining villages and slag heaps of the Loos area.

The 2^nd Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment, was heavily involved in these attacks, suffering significant losses as they attempted to hold ground under intense German counterattacks.

Death

On 26^th September 1915, during the second day of the Battle of Loos, Private David John Allis was killed in action. He was recorded as 37 years old, although the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) lists his age as 38.

Burial

David John Allis
Loos Memorial
credit - findagrave

Private Allis has no known grave. His name is commemorated on the Loos Memorial, which honours over 20,000 officers and men who fell in the Battle of Loos and have no known resting place.

Legacy

David John Allis is remembered locally as the first name inscribed on the First World War memorial inside St. Paul’s Church, Swansea. His story reflects not only the service and sacrifice of one man but also the wider experiences of Swansea families during the war.