First World War Medal Trio – Trimmer Robert Allan, Royal Naval Reserve
1914-15 Star – S.T. 552. R. ALLAN. TR. R.N.R.
British War Medal – S.T. 552. R. ALLAN. TR. R.N.R.
Victory Medal – S.T. 552. R. ALLAN. TR. R.N.R.
Medals mounted as worn.
Robert Allan was born in October 1887 at Hutchesontown, Glasgow, the son of William John Allan and Elizabeth (née Hessen/Hasson). He was raised in the Govan district of Glasgow, where census records show him living with his family during his early years. By 1911 he was residing in Eythorne, Kent, recorded as a boarder, reflecting the mobile nature of his civilian employment prior to the war.
Allan entered wartime service with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, enrolling on 11 May 1915, and was rated Ordinary Seaman, serving under the service number Clyde Z/3680. His civilian occupation is recorded as Trimmer, a role closely associated with coal-fired steamships and one which translated directly into naval service during the war. His physical description notes a height of 5 ft 4 in, with dark hair and grey eyes, and he was medically assessed as fit for active service.
During the First World War Allan served aboard a succession of vessels and establishments, including HMS Pembroke, HMS Zaria, and HMS Vivid, with overseas service recorded in the Mediterranean theatre. His service record reflects continuous wartime employment afloat, and he also qualified for Naval Prize Money, confirming active operational service during the conflict.
Following the Armistice, Allan returned to civilian life but later resumed military service. During the Second World War he served with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), enlisting on 9 September 1939, and serving under the service number 3260253. This later period of service demonstrates a continued commitment to military duty spanning both world wars.
Robert Allan died on 20 September 1960 at Cathcart, Glasgow, aged 72.
A well-documented Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve First World War trio, further enhanced by confirmed Second World War Army service with the Cameronians, makes for a particularly attractive and increasingly scarce group. Named RNR trios with surviving service records and cross-service careers are rarely encountered.
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AJMS Medals