Elton Culbert Allin
Elton Culbert Allin was born 24 November 1886 in Bowmanville ON. His parents, John Llewellyn Allin and Melissa Culbert also had a daughter Nina who was 3 years younger than Elton. His father died of tuberculosis in 1898 at just 38 years old. In January 1917 Elton married Annie Mabel Cross at St Stephen Church in London, just a few short months before his death and only 2 months after he landed in England from Canada. She would move to Saskatchewan, where Elton had acquired a homestead grant in May 1916 before being shipped to France.
On 3 May 1916, Elton enlisted with the 203rd Battalion in Winnipeg, and was subsequently transferred to the 44th Battalion. Trained as a lawyer and a graduate of the University of Toronto, Elton was taken on as a Lieutenant.
After the offensive on Vimy Ridge, Lieut Allin was part of the battle around Hill 145. The 44th Battalion war diary notes the heavy fighting and losses that were incurred:
“Front line and support area constantly shelled by enemy. Enemy observed massing for attack but was dispersed by our artillery. Casualties 2 OR Killed, 34 OR Wounded, including many walking cases, 1 OR Missing. 9/5/17 Enemy still very troublesome on our immediate front, making several attempts to attack our forward posts. It was decided to extend positions in enemy front and support lines to connect with old positions via CLUCAS TRENCH. This operation was entirely successful. During the day sniping was very severe and owing to this saw the consequent retaliation during and after our attack, our casualties were as follows. Killed Lieuts Perdue, Ross, and Allin. Wounded Lieuts Baird and Russenholt. OR 7 Killed, 27 Wounded, 2 Missing.” – On 9 May 1917, just 7 days after he arrived at the front with the 44th, Elton was killed in action.
Elton Allin is buried in Villers Station Cemetery, Villers-au-Bois France. He was 30 years old.
