Al(l)an George MALAQUIN

Allan was the 5^th child of Emile and Doris nee RICHARDS; he was born in Christchurch on 29 June1920. Allan was the 5^th of seven boys with two younger sisters.

Along with five of his brothers Allan enlisted with the New Zealand Army.

In 1940 when he went to Wingatui Camp for training he is enlisted as a Gunner in the 11^th Heavy Regiment.

When he was attested Allan was single, living at home with his parents and was a butcher working for a Mr Pierson, in Barbadoes Street, Christchurch.

In May 1941 he married Gloria Mary SMOLENSKI, only three months before his death.

Army life does not appear to have suited Allan as he is four times AWOL (absent with out leave). In February 1941 he is posted to Lyttelton for coastal duties, it is unclear exactly when he sailed to Dunedin, but he was there at the end of June. A month later Allan died at Taiaroa Heads, cause of death, drowning. Gloria appears to have collected Allan’s two medals, the ‘War Medal 1939-1945’ and the ‘New Zealand Medal’.

Allan is buried at Bromley Cemetery, along with many other soldiers from both World Wars. We can find Allan’s name on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website