Major Thomas Nutter Allen, MC.  Commanding Officer 53 Bty. 7th Survey Regt. RA

MAJOR T.N. ALLEN M.C. R.A
Joined 7th Survey Regiment R.A. at its inception in January 1941, and in the War Diary for that month is shown as  O.C., F.S. Bty Capt. T.N. Allen, R.A.

Maj Allen, during the period the 1^st Feb- the 30^th April 1945 has carried out two difficult and dangerous tasks with outstanding success.

The first of these task was close observation of the enemy dispositions across the Rhine between the 12^th and the 24^th Mar. Maj. Allen personally reconnoitred numerous OPs which were used -for the most part churches or buildings in the FDLs -and subsequently directed work from them. The task became particularly dangerous after our policy of knocking down enemy Ops had been initiated. Reprisals followed, three of Maj. Allen’s Ops were engaged by observed fire

By personal example this officer ensured that the flow of information from these Ops remained unimpaired.

The second task comprised the support of 53^rd Div during the advance subsequent to the Rhine crossing -notably during the Allies bridgehead operation and the thrust North from Rotenburg. During a period of ten days of battle, April 12^th -17^th, and April 26^th-30^th, in addition to the continuous survey of the Artillery, Maj. Allen reconnoitred and installed no less than 12 4-Pen SR bases. This was an unprecedented amount on so great a scale to be impossible. It involved continuous personal reconnaissance by Maj. Allen on the uncleared flanks of the centre lines. In fact, on several occasions Maj. Allen was able to report places clear of otherwise to the Recce Regt.

The results of his work were firstly a considerable number of locations of enemy batteries, and secondly, the evolution in battle of a new technique in the provision of immediate SR cover for a Division advancing on thrust lines.

Rec. Clegg Corps Lt Gen Ritchie 25.5. 1945 Army 13.6. 1945

Gazette 11.10. 1945 p. 4999

WO 373 /55