The KING Family

The information below draws on numerous sources - Archives NZ, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Auckland Museum Cenotaph

Service Details

Allen's entry on the online Cenotaph provided by Auckland Museum includes this image of a document prepared by Allen's father, Thomas Young, of Jellicoe Road, Manurewa, Auckland.

It reads as follows:

"404629 Allen Norman Young
Father; Mr. T. Young of Auckland.

Allen Young was born in Pukekohe, Auckland on November 14th. 1920 and received his secondary education at the Otahuhu Technical High School. At school he played football and tennis. Later, he became a member of the Otahuhu Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club. At the time of making an application for War Service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force on November 30th. 1939, he was employed as a boner by Messrs R.&.W. Hellaby, Westfield.

Sergeant Young was enlisted at Levin on November 24th. 1940 Airman Gunner under training. He embarked for Canada by the "Empress of Russia" on January 6th. 1941, under the Empire Air Training Scheme.

On disembarkation in Canada he proceeded to No. 1 Wireless School, Montreal, Quebec on January 23rd. On June 23rd. he was posted to No. 4 Bombing and Gunnery School, Fingal, Ontario where he was awarded his Air Gunners Badge, and promoted to Sergeant on July 21st. 1941. Shortly afterwards he had proceeded to No. 1 "M" Depot, Debert, Nova Scotia for embarkation to the United Kingdom.

On his arrival in England on August 31st. 1941 he spent a short time at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth, and then was posted to No. 1 Signals School, Cranwell, Lincolnshire on September 16th. In November he was further posted to No. 27 Operational Training Unit, Lichfield, staffordshire.

Sergeant Young was a member of the crew of a Whitley Aircraft which crashed at Middlebeers-Eindhoven, Holland on May 31st. 1942, all the crew, including Sergeant Young losing their lives. The aircraft was shot down by night fighters.

The occupants, including Sergeant Young, were buried in the Military Cemetery, Eindhoven Woensel, North Braband, Holland.

Mr. T. Young (F)
Jellicoe Road.
Amanurewa. AUCKLAND."

Memorial

Allen is remembered at Commonwealth War Graves Commission, who also maintain the Cemetery in which his body and Headstone can be found.

He is also remembered by the New Zealand War Graves Project.