Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Thomas Allen a journeyman baker, born 1877 in Long Clawson, Leicestershire and his wife Alice Emma Allen (nee Jesson, married in the 3rd quarter of 1897 in the Chesterfield, Derbyshire district), born 1880 in Long Clawson. Freeling Henry was born in the 3rd quarter of 1899 in Hose, Leicestershire, he had one sibling, a sister Evelyn Mary, born 1901 in Hose, in 1901 the family home was at the Vicarage, Hose. In April 1911 Freeling was absent from the family home at Hose, residing there was his father, a grocer and grazier, his mother and siblings, Evelyn, Winifred Alice, born 1902, Albert Jesson, born 1904, William Arthur, born 1908 and Margaret Emma, born 1911, the latter four siblings were all born in Hose, Freeling was a schoolboy and was residing at The Sands, Long Clawson, this being the family home of his paternal grandfather, William Allen, a domestic gardener, born 1844 in Long Clawson and his wife Mary Ann Allen (nee Bonser, married in the 1st quarter of 1865 in the Barrow upon Soar, Leicestershire district), born 1850 in Long Clawson. Freeling died of his wounds in the Military Hospital at Catterick, Yorkshire on the 27th November 1918, he was awarded the British War and Victory medals.
On Friday April 26th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HOSE.” – LOCAL SOLDIERS. – Much regret was expressed on the receipt of the news that Pte. Percy Hourd is missing and that Pte. Freeling Allen and Pte. Sidney Sharp are in hospital suffering from wounds.
On Friday June 7th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL CASUALTIES.” The official casualty lists published during the past week have included the following local names:- From Monday’s list: Wounded Northumberland Fusiliers. – Allen, 69072, F. (Melton Mowbray).
On Friday June 21st 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HOSE.” – ON SICK LEAVE. – The many friends of Pte. Freeling Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Allen, grocer, have been delighted to see him on leave having recovered from the wound he received in France.
On Friday December 13th 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “HOSE.” – SOLDIER’S DEATH. – Much sympathy is expressed with Mr. and Mrs. T. Allen and family in the bereavement they have sustained by the loss of their son, Pte. Freeling Henry Allen, 5th Northumberland Fusiliers. Deceased had been seriously wounded by shrapnel, and was brought back from France for treatment. After his discharge from hospital it was discovered that a splinter was still in his head. He returned to hospital for an operation, by which it was successfully removed, but he fell a victim to influenza after leaving the hospital, to which he again returned and subsequently died. His remains were laid to rest in the Parish Churchyard, Hose, on Wednesday, when the Vicar performed the last solemn rite and Miss Williams played the Dead March. Messrs. W. Sharpe, R. Smith, J. Brooks and H. Caunt were the bearers, and the mourners included Mrs. T. Allen, (mother), Albert and William (brothers), Eva, Winnie Maggie and Gladys (sisters), Mr. Freeling Jesson, Mr. W. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. H. Allen, Mrs. and Miss Williamson. A large number of friends assembled to show their last respects to the deceased soldier. There were sixteen floral tributes, including one from the family, the Vicar and choir, friends of Hose and Miss Darby. A memorial service was held on Sunday evening, when the Rev. J. Williams preached an excellent sermon from “Christ will gather in His own. To the place where he is gone.” Special hymns were sung, and Miss Wilford played the “Dead March.” A muffled peal was also rung.