439989 Gunner William Maxwell Allan, (1922-7/1/1943). "the enemy was extremely active"

 

DEATHS

ALLAN. — Gunner William Maxwell, died of wounds, Italy, beloved younger son of Georgina. Allan, Mayfield, East Taieri, and the fate Lindsay Allan, Hawera; aged 21 years.  -Evening Star, 24/1/1944.

SOCIAL AT EAST TAIERI

A welcome home to three local men recently returned from overseas was given in the East Taieri Hall. Those honoured were Lance-corporal F. R. Reid, Gunner A. S. Massey, and Private J. McCabe. The Taieri Pipe Band was in attendance and rendered various selections at the commencement of the evening. After the singing of the National Anthem, reference was made by the chairman of the death of William Maxwell Allan who died of wounds in Italy. He asked those present to honour the deceased's memory in the customary manner.  -Evening Star, 7/2/1944.

Meanwhile 31 Battery, under the command of 2 Independent Parachute Brigade since early December, moved with that formation from this mountain area to the right flank of the Division in the sector which included on its left the village of Poggiofiorito and the outskirts of Arielli. B Troop was released on 5 January and moved to Lanciano and J and K Troops of 33 Battery replaced it. The enemy was extremely active on this part of the front and shelled Poggiofiorito mercilessly. On the 7th Gunners Hargreaves and Allan of 31 Battery and Lance-Bombardier Laing of 33 Battery were killed or fatally wounded, and three others including an officer were wounded.  -Official History of the 2nd NZ Divisional Artillery.

East Taieri Cemetery.