Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Allen Ralph Allingham was born on 13th June, 1904, in Epsom, Vic, the youngest child of John Locke Allingham and Jessie Allen.   The spelling of his name is significant in that he was named for his mother's maiden name.   His name was spelt incorrectly on his Service documents.   He was, however, always known as 'Ralph'.

His father, John Locke Allingham, owned a property on the main Murray road in Epsom which he developed as an orchard.    A trained accountant, he continued to work in this field and became Company Secretary to the Bendigo Pottery Company.   When Ralph Allingham was about 9 years old the Pottery transferred his father to Melbourne and the family began a move to Box Hill where another property was purchased and developed as an orchard.

When Ralph was 10 years old an older brother, Frederick Clifford Allingham, enlisted for service in the AIF.   Frederick Clifford was KIA in 1916.   Another of Ralph's brothers, Alfred John Allingham, enlisted in 1915.   He RTA in 1919, and after discharge joined the Allingham family on their orchard at 22 Kangerong Road, Box Hill.

Ralph Allingham continued at school, gaining his Intermediate and Leaving Certificates.   After leaving school he was employed by the National Bank of Australasia as a Bank Clerk.   When Ralph was 17 years old his father died and the orchard was continued by his brother, Alfred John.   Ralph joined the Citizen Forces in 1922, aged 18, and continued to serve until 1924.   He also joined the Volunteer Fire Brigade.

In 1933 Ralph was attached to the Security Department in the Bank, initially working as Settlement Clerk and later as Titles Officer Clerk.   He was appointed Assistant Officer in Charge, Branch Security Department, in 1938.   In 1940 he was appointed Trustee of the Box Hill Cemetery.   His mother died in 1941.

Allen Ralph Allingham enlisted for service on 13 July, 1942, when his given name was mis-spelt as Allan.   He named his brother, Alfred John Allingham, as NOK as both parents were deceased.   He was accepted for service in the Air Force as a Trainee Officer, mustered to the School of Administration and issued with Service No. 256506.   He was granted a Commission to Pilot Officer on 15 August, 1942,  and appointed to the Administration and Special Duties Branch.   He was Promoted to Flying Officer on 15 February, 1943.   His Special Duties involved working with Cyphers and he spent most of his service in Papua New Guinea.   His appointment terminated on 1 March, 1946. 

Allen Ralph Allingham Married Daphne Elizabeth Lidgerwood in 1945 and they settled down at 75 Carrington Road, Box Hill.   Ralph was later promoted to the position of Manager at the Caulfield East Branch of the National Bank.   Later, he was made Manager of the Mitcham Branch.   He Died on 8th March, 1977, at Montmorency, Vic, and was Buried in the Box Hill Cemetery.   Plot CE - NS - 1102.