Death of an Old Lutonian

London Regiment Badge [Wikimedia]

Friday 7th May 1915: In December we heard how Ernest Allin, an old boy of Luton Modern School, was enjoying life at training camp with the 24th Battalion of the County of London Regiment. http://bedshomefront.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/training-camp-life.html  News has now reached Luton that he has become the first Old Lutonian to be killed in the present conflict. He died of wounds received near Ypres on 1st May, two days after being hit by a stray bullet while leaving the trenches to draw the day’s rations. He has been buried along with many other British soldiers at Béthune. The following obituary is to be included in the next edition of the school magazine:

“Ernest Allin has fallen in the paths of glory in France. He will be greatly missed by the members of the Old Lutonians Club, with whom he was deservedly popular. He joined the school in September, 1907, and left in July, 1909, to become an engineer. He worked hard at his profession and was a regular student at the Evening Classes; when he entered the army he left a good position at the Vauxhall Motor Works. His ready wit and unfailing good-humour made him a general favourite; he was indispensable at the Old Lutonian entertainments; and when in happier times the club comes together again his absence will be severely felt. While however we extend to all his relatives and friends our deepest sympathy, we would also add the words of Milton – “Nothing is here for tears.” He died for his country.”

Source: Luton Modern School Magazine No.9 [SDLutonSFC2/9]