Historical information

HERBERT TRANGMAR ALLAN OBE, MC, ED. Herbert Allan served pre WW1 with Sydney University Scouts with the rank of 2nd Lieut. Joined the AIF 6.9.1915 in the 14th Reinforcements 17th Batt aged 21 years 6 months, embarked for England 22.8.1916, promoted to Lieut, embarked for France 22.1.1917, awarded the Military Cross 9.10.1917 at Passchendaele Ridge, WIA slight 3.11.1917. Awarded a Mention in Despatches, promoted to Captain 24.11.1917, WIA 3.10.1918, Gassed, appointment terminated in the AIF 26.5.1919.
He remains active in several postings in the CMF as a Captain. He goes on full time duty 9.10.1939 with 2nd Garrison Batt No N60005, transfers to the 2nd AIF No NX12229 1.5.1940, posted Captain in 2nd 17th Batt. Embarks for the Middle East 10.10.1940, serves in Tobruk, promoted to Major 7.1.1941, promoted to Brigade Major 20th Inf Brigade 12.6.1941, appointed Claims Officer 9th Division 13.2 1942, awarded the “OBE” 14.4.1942, embark for Australia 27.1.1943, promoted Lt Col 8.6.1943, emplaned for New Guinea 16.6.1943, one of 5 to New Guinea and New Britain, promoted T/Colonel 1.4.1945, final disembark in Australia 28.8.1945, appointed to Command the Pacific Islands Regt 10.10.1945, appointed Hon Colonel in the Reserve of Officers 1.5.1946. During WW11 he was awarded a Mention in Despatches 4 times, once in the Middle East and 3 in the Pacific. He spent 1773 days outside Australia and 253 in Australia during WW11. Awarded Efficiency Decoration (ED) in 1946. Refer 2756.

Significance

The group of medals were awarded to Herbert Trangmar Allan OBE, MC, ED plus mentioned in Dispatches 5 times. With the medals to add to their significance is a large collection of documentation covering his career with some 136 items plus photographs. As Commander of the Pacific Islands Regiment after WW2 he was presented with a pair of Japanese Artillery Binoculars to bring home as a War Trophy. This is in the collection also.
This group of eleven (11) Decoration, Campaign and Service Medals has a very high significance as they relate to both World Wars and service recognition from 1915 through to 1946, 31 years. There is also a full set of miniatures to compliment the main medal set.
The “Order of the British Empire”, “Military Cross”, Efficiency Decoration” gained over both Wars and Service are among the highest in the British Empire Awards system and therefore quite rare. The addition of 5 Mention in Dispatches adds to that rarity.
The medals are in very good condition with only a small amount of tarnishing. The ribbons are new and Court mounting for display purposes, the originals have been kept for historical purposes.

Physical description

WWI & WWII Medals:
.1) Medal set, brass plate mounted, set of 11 re H T ALLAN OBE, MC, ED.
1. Order of the British Empire - OBE.
2. Military Cross - MC.
3. War Medal 1914 - 1919.
4. Victory Medal with clasp - Mention in Despatches.
5. 1939 - 45 Star.
6. African Star with clasp - 8th Army.
7. Pacific Star.
8. Defence Medal.
9. War Medal with clasp - Mention in Despatches.
10. Australian Service Medal.
11. Efficiency Decoration - ED.

WWI & WWII Medals:
.2) Medal set, minatures, brass plate mounted, set of 11 re H T ALLAN OBE, MC, ED.
Same as in .1)

.3) Original ribbons as per .1).

.4) Original ribbons as per .2).

Inscriptions & markings

.1)
CAPTAIN H T ALLAN AIF
NX12229 H J ALLEN
NX12229 COL ALLEN H T
Note: Correct spelling is H T ALLAN