Cpl 15764 Alan Douglas Ellison

• Age: 30
• From: New Brighton, Cheshire
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 17th Btn
• D.O.W Tuesday 15th October 1918
• Commemorated at: Wallasey, Rake Lane Cem
  Panel Ref: 12.CofE.18

Alan Douglas Ellison was born in New Brighton in July 1888, the son of William Ellison and his wife Ann Bethia (nee Haig) who were married in 1883 in Birkenhead. He was baptised on 29th July 1888 also in New Brighton. 

The 1891 Census shows the family are living at 3 Brighton Terrace, Victoria Road, Liscard. His father, William, is a 42 year old grocer born in Liverpool in 1849, mother Ann is 32 years of age and was born in Slateford, Midlothian. Alan aged 2 has two siblings: Gladys Christian aged 6 born in 1885 and Clarence Alexander aged 4 born in 1887. All 3 children were born in New Brighton. They also have 2 servants, James Beddel aged 17, a grocers apprentice, and Annie McKibbin 19. 

On the 1901 Census the family have moved to 37 Windsor Street, Liscard. His father, William, is aged 52, a grocers traveller, mother Annie is aged 42, children Gladys C. aged 16, a grocers cleaner, Clarence A. aged 14, an grocers office boy, Alan D. aged 12 at school. 

On the 1911 Census the family are still at 37 Windsor Street, Liscard. His father, William, is aged 62, a commercial traveller, mother Annie is aged 52 and they have been married for 27 years and have had three children, who are recorded as; Gladys aged 26, a laundress, Clarence aged 24, a Commercial Clerk, Alan aged 22 is also a Commercial Clerk. 

Alan enlisted at St George's Hall in Liverpool on 31st August 1914, he joined the 17th Battalion of the King's Liverpool Regiment with the service number 15764. After initial training at Prescot, and Knowsley Hall, he left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park in Grantham before final training was carried out at Lark Hill Camp on Salisbury Plain. He left the UK via Folkestone arriving in France at Boulogne on 07th November 1915. He had reached the rank of Corporal when he received a GSW, to his right thigh on 11th May, 1916 and he returned to the UK for treatment.

His progress was reported in the Wallasey News dated 17th June, 1916 as follows:

Corporal Allan D. Ellison, of the Pals, is in Aldershot Hospital, suffering from a compound bullet fracture of the right leg. He is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs.W. Ellison, of 37,Windsor-street, New Brighton, and previous to the war was for four years in the 10th Liverpool Scottish, where he won three silver cups and two silver spoons for marksmanship. 

Alan's recovery was not as he would have hoped for and on 01/06/1917 (Soldiers Effects states 26/4/18) he was discharged from service and received a Silver War Badge No. 243586. He sadly deteriorated further and died in consequence of his wounds on 15th October 1918. He was 30 years of age and his death was reported in the local press as follows:
 
Death Of Liverpool Scottish Corporal

We deeply regret to record the death of Corporal Alan Douglas Ellison, which occurred on Tuesday of last week at 37, Windsor Street, New Brighton, after a painful illness patiently borne. The brave corporal was discharged from the Army through being severely wounded – a compound fracture – from which he never recovered. Previous to joining up with the King’s Liverpool Regt., “Pals,” 1st Battalion, on August 31, 1914, he had been four years in the Liverpool Scottish, and was of fine physique and over 6ft 3in in height. He was formerly a clerk with Messrs. Shipton, Anderson and Co., corn merchants, Weaver Buildings, Brunswick Street, Liverpool, by whom he was held in the highest esteem.

The funeral took place on Monday at Rake Lane Cemetery in the presence of a large company of sorrowing friends. A service was conducted at St. James’. 

Soldiers Effects to father William, Pension record has no award. 

Probate 1918:- 

ELLISON Alan Douglas of 37 Windsor Street, New Brighton Cheshire died 15 October 1918 Administration Chester 8 November to William Ellison commercial traveller. Effects £358 18s. 

He was remembered in the Liverpool Echo on 15th October 1927:   

ELLISON - In loving memory of my dear son, ALAN, Corporal 1st Liverpool Pals, who died October 15, 1918, from wounds received in France. Never forgotten by his loving father and all at 37 Windsor Street, Wallasey.

Alan now rests in the family grave at Rake Lane Cemetery where the details of his death are recorded: 

Also Alan Cpl 1st Liverpool Pals, 

Younger son of the above, 

Who died 15th Oct 1918 from wounds received in France.  

Aged 30 years.  

Pro Patria 

There are 259 First World War burials in the Cemetery.

His mother died, aged 62, on the 08th June 1921.    

She was remembered in the Liverpool Echo on 08th June 1939:  

ELLISON - Treasured memories of my dear wife ANN who died June 8 1921. - Fondly remembered by her loving husband Will, and never forgotten by all at 54 Leominster Road, Wallasey. 

Alan was also remembered in the Liverpool Echo on 16th October 1939: 

ELLISON - Treasured memories of my dear son ALAN, Corporal, 1st Liverpool Pals, who died October 15, 1918 from wounds received in France.- Fondly remembered by his loving Father and All at 54 Leominster Road, Wallasey. 

His father died, aged 92, in 1942.           

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