Notes
The Bradford Grammar School website (see References) states: 'Allan Waterhouse was the second of three sons of John Waterhouse from Stanningley, a book-keeper and cashier, and his first wife Emma, nee Naylor, from Bowling. Allan was born in Manningham on 3rd March 1885 and was baptized in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel. Two years after his mother died in 1898, his father married Grace Owen in Chelsea. They had one daughter, born in 1902. Allan was at the Bradford Grammar School 1897-1900. His results at the end of each year suggest he was not an academic lad, although he showed aptitude in drawing and art. He left school aged fifteen to work as a mechanic. At the time of the 1911 Census he was employed as a chauffeur to the Italian-American musician Antonio de Novellis, formerly conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A year later in Sidmouth, Devon Allan married Ella Gwynne Jumbo, daughter of an Africa Merchant. Their daughter Joan Elizabeth was born on 27th October 1914, and little more than a month later Allan enlisted in the Royal
Flying Corps.
Allan initially served as 2nd Air Mechanic. He went to France on 10th October 1915. He was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant Mechanic. He first served with the Head Quarters 3rd Balloon Wing, which was attached to Third Army H.Q. In February 1917 he was transferred to 4th Balloon Wing, and then on Christmas Day to 16th Balloon Company. These units operated kite balloons whose ’balloonatics’ operated as artillery observers to direct fire on the German positions. Allan was part of the ground crew, as the observers who went up in the baskets were officers. He was presumably responsible for his unit’s transport which consisted of lorries, and the winch.
Allan was injured in an accident and died at the 10th Australian Field Ambulance just outside Amiens. He was buried in the St. Pierre Cemetery. His widow did not remarry.'