Allan Bernard Cann
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 3 Dec 1896 |
| Place of Birth | Clapham, London, England |
| Death | 23 Sep 1965 |
| Place of Death | Armadale, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 18 years, 8 months |
| Description | 5'5" tall; weight 132lbs; medium complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair. |
| Occupation | labourer |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Forrest, Victoria |
| Next of Kin | Brother Mr George Leonard Cann (KIA 29 Sep 1918 in France) |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 1988 |
| Date of Enlistment | 20 May 1915 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit/Formation | 29th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement / 8th Brigade, 5th Division |
| Date of Embarkation | 18 Feb 1916 - 22 Mar 1916 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A70 Ballarat |
| Date of Return | 22 Nov 1919 - 9 Jan 1920 |
| Ship Returned On | HMAT A60 Aeneas |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
War Service
Initial training conducted in Geelong camp before moving to Broadmeadows.
Taken on strength of the 29th Battalion in Egypt on 1 Apr 1916. From Egypt, he travelled with the 29th Battalion to France on the HMT Tunisian, arriving in Marseilles on 23 Jun 1916.
On 30 Nov 1916 Allan reported sick to hospital with bronchitis, and was seen by the Anzac Casualty Clearing Station, and the 6th Australian Field Ambulance. He did not rejoin his battalion until 12 May 1917.
In Jun 1917 he was sent to sniping school, before proceeding on leave for 10 days. Transferred to the 32nd Battalion on 12 Oct 1918, while enjoying a second leave period in France. He remained with them until 29 Dec 1918 when he was transferred to the Admin Headquarters where he worked in the War Records section.
Appointed Temporary Corporal on 10 Apr 1919, Allan was discharged by the 3rd Military District on 8 Apr 1920.
Post War
Electoral Roll entries - 1921 gardener in Kelmscott; 1925 is listed as a dairy farmer at Churchman's Brook with a Christina Jane Irene Woodward (1925 - 31). Christina died in Maylands in 1986 aged 87 so they separated or divorced between 1931 and 1936. Alan remained on the electoral roll in Churchman's Brook, Armadale until his death.
World War II
Enlisted in the 2nd (Fremantle) VDC Battalion on 22 Mar 1942 (W67615) at Armadale and served as a Lieutenant with them in Australia until his discharge on 15 Oct 1945. His Mother Sarah Ann was recorded as his next of kin. On 31 Jul 1942 Allan was made a probationary Lieutenant, with his confirmation in the rank occurring on the same day. Allan was appointed Acting Company Commander of 'D' Company on 21 Aug 1943. On 15 Oct 1945 his appointment was terminated and he was placed on the Reserve List.
Notes
An early member of the Bedfordale Volunteer Bushfire Brigade. Canns road is named after the Cann family who lived mid way along it.