Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

South Atlantic 1982, with rosette (Lt. F. V. Allen, R.M.) nearly extremely fine £800-900

Francis Victor Allen originally served in the ranks of the Royal Marines before being commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1977. Promoted a Lieutenant in 1978, the Navy List of 1979 shows him serving in the 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadron R.M. - helicopter support unit flying Gazelles. In the 1980 list he is shown as serving at the Commando Training Centre, R.M. During 1981-83 he served with 42 Commando, R.M.

Serving as Assistant Quarter Master of 42 Commando during the Falklands War 1982, Lieutenant Allen kept a diary of his experiences during the campaign, extracts of which were frequently quoted in the book, March to the South Atlantic, written by his commanding officer - Lieutenant-Colonel Nick Vaux, D.S.O., which provides a definitive account of 42 Commando’s exploits in the conflict. During the war, he served with distinction with 42 Commando, participating in the landings at Port San Carlos and the attacks on Mount Kent and Mount Harriet.

Promoted Captain in April 1984, he retired at his own request on 25 June 1984. Sold with copied research including extracts from Vaux’s book which refer to Allen’s diary entries.