Name/Title
1918 - WWI - 177080 Sergeant David Mackay Allan - An embroidered 87th Battalion (CGG) CEF Christmas card sent home from the UKScope and Content
** FOR ARCHIVE PURPOSES ONLY - ITEM RETAINED BY FAMILY **
1918 - WWI - During World War I, few written records and correspondence from the Canadian Grenadier Guards have survived. One notable exception is the beautifully crafted Christmas cards sent home by soldiers. A poignant example is a hand-embroidered, signed card sent from France in 1918 by 177080 Sergeant David MacKay Allan, a member of the CGG, to his beloved sister, Ms. Jessie May Turner Allan, who lived in Montreal and passed away in 1986. This card serves as a touching reminder of the personal connections maintained during the hardships of war.
ABOUT THE SOLDIER: 177080 Sergeant David MacKay Allan
Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on 16 January 1897, he was working as a stenographer (possibly with Marconi Canada) and serving in the 58th Regiment (Westmount Rifles) prior to becoming one of the first 100 soldiers to enlist with the 87th Battalion (Canadian Grenadier Guards) CEF on 29 September 1915. He was quickly promoted to Corporal. Upon arrival with the 87th Battalion in the UK, he was transferred to the 1st Battalion CEF but fell ill with TB (Tuberculosis) and was evacuated to the UK. After recovery, he was attached to the GHQ 3rd Echelon Canadian Section and the Canadian Labour Pool as a clerk and remained active in the UK. He was promoted to Sergeant on 15 January 1919 and returned to Canada on 21 June 1919. The Christmas card he sent was while he was working in the UK. He passed away in Canada in 1943.
Prior to immigrating to Canada in 1910, he lived in London England with his family and was enrolled as a Choir Boy with the Saint George Boys Choir at Windsor Castle.Created By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Create Date
May 3, 2025Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
December 13, 2025
