Enlisted at Maidstone on the 2nd of March 1855.

Age: 18 years.

Height: 5’ 6”.

Trade: Baker.

Features: Fresh complexion. Blue eyes. Brown hair.

Embarked on the 9th of June 1855 and joined the regiment in the Crimea on the 1st of August.

Invalided to England on the 25th of October 1855.

Discharged from Kilmainham on the 15th of December 1856, a consequence of the “Reduction of the Regiment and not likely to become efficient. This man is of a very delicate constitution and since going to the Crimea has been frequently in hospital. He has suffered from bowel complaints, from jaundice, and from scarlet fever. I do not think he will ever be effective, otherwise than always ailing and is never likely to prove effective for a dragoon’s duties. His military duties, I consider, in no way has any bearing on his disability and depends a great deal on his naturally weak constitution. Able to earn his own livelihood...”

Was awarded a pension of 6d. per day for 3 years, “final."

Served 2 years 13 days.

Conduct, “good.” Not in possession of any G.C. badges.

Entitled to the Crimean medal with clasp for Sebastopol and the Turkish medal.

Not recorded by Lummis and Wynn.

Living in Deptford, London, after discharge, and was still there in 1875.

Editors’ note: The 1871 census shows him as Charles W. Allen aged 31, a “baker’s master” living at 33 Bye St, Seal, Kent, married to Eliza and children Robert 8, Elizabeth 5, Charles 6 months.

The 1881 Census Returns show him as living at No. 4 Park Cottages, Bessell Green, Cheveney, Kent, a Baker, aged 43, born at Sundridge, Kent, with his wife, Eliza, aged 37, born at Seal, Kent, five children, aged from 18 to 1 year, and his mother-in-law, Jane Mouncey, a Widow, aged 70, born at West Peckham, Kent.