George Wordsworth's Story.
Birkenhead News 31 January 1917
West Kirby Soldier Dies in Hospital
It was with feelings of sincere regret that Deeside people heard of the death of Lance-Corporal George W. Allen, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This took place at the Balmoral Red Cross Hospital, Llandudno, on Wednesday, 24th inst.
George Wordsworth Allen was but 27 years of age, the only son of the late George Allen, of Oatlands Park, West Kirby. The latter, who passed away one month before the war broke out, was a very prominent member of the church workers at St. Bridget’s, and at one time held the chairmanship of the Hoylake and West Kirby Urban Council. His son, the subject of this notice, was one of the first West Kirby Volunteers, and one of that heroic band who played their part in historic Gallipoli. There he contracted dysentery, being eventually sent to a hospital in Cardiff. He went out a picture of physical manhood, and came back a wreck. For months he was subject to a series of complications; and though he was transferred to various places in the hope that a change may pull him round, he never regained the lost strength. He was ever bright and cheerful, and one of the most loveable fellows imaginable.
THE FUNERAL
The remains were laid to rest with full military honours on Saturday last. In the old churchyard numerous sympathisers assembled, and as the gun carriage bearing the coffin, shrouded in the folds of the Union Jack, came to a halt at the lych gate, the scene was most impressive. At the graveside it was no less so. As the Rev. Wright Davies closed the burial service, rifles volleyed three times over the grave, and the bugles sounded the “Last Post.”