Bernard Hallam Allsop
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Bernard Hallam Allsop was born in Worksop in 1899, the son of Hannah Allsop and Henry Hallam. His mother, nee Oldbury, had previously married John William Allsop in Nottingham in 1883. They had 2 or 3 children before the husband was put as a patient, into the City Asylum, where he remained long term. Hannah, “took up” with Henry Hallam and lived as man and wife from around 1891. She produced 9 children all together, registering them all with their correct name of Allsop, but recorded her children and herself as Hallam in all other ways (census, for instance). It wasn’t until 1907 that Henry and Hannah married in Worksop.
Pte Bernard H Allsop Worksop Guardian 21 February 1919 We regret to report the death, under distressing circumstances of Pte Bernard H Allsop, age 20, son of Mrs Hallam of 8 Forest Yard, Worksop, which took place at the 26th General Hospital, France from pneumonia. The soldier, who was well known in the town, was in the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers. In a letter to Mrs Hallam, Acting Matron M J Hepple says,:- “You will have already heard officially of the death of your dear boy. He died at 2.30 pm yesterday, February 15th and he came here on the 12th. His condition was critical right from the first and we knew there was time to get you to France or we would have sent for you. He was admitted with influenza and pneumonia. Everything possible that could be done for him was done right from the time he was admitted into the hospital and he was never left, but we couldn’t keep him for you. He was a very good patient, but was all so very ill all the time he was with us, that talking was difficult for him, and I am sorry indeed that I have no message to give you. He was seen by the Padre seven times and his end was quite peaceful. I enclose a little of his hair as it may comfort you to have it. His funeral is today at the British Military Hospital, Etaples. With sincere sympathy with you in your terrible loss. Much sympathy will be expressed to Mrs Hallam, for this is the second of her sons who has sacrificed his life, the other being First Class Stoker H Allsop, who was lost in the battle of Jutland, on HMS “Queen Mary.” Pte Allsop enlisted in February 1917, up to which time he was employed at Messrs Godly and Goulding’s woodyard. He had been in France for 14 months and although he had seen much fighting, he had escaped with a slight shrapnel wound. He was home last December. Mrs Hallam originally had five sons with the services, the surviving sons being, Sgt-Major E Allsop, R.G.A., Sgt Harry Allsop, M.G.C. and the remaining son First Class Stoker Allsop of HMS “Speedwell,” has recently been discharged.
CWG additional information:- Son of Henry B. and Hannah Hallam, of 8, Forrest's Yard, Worksop, Notts. Commemorated on the Etaples Military Cemetery, France. Research by Colin Dannatt
