A Noble, Unassuming Lad
We regret to hear that Mr and Mrs James Allford of 13 Frank Street, Hyde, have lost their younger son, Private Robert Allford who was killed in France on the 29th March (Good Friday). Official news to that effect has been received. Recently Mr and Mrs Allford received a letter from a close soldier pal of their son, Pte. Horace Davison, son of Mr J. Davison, clogger, Clarendon-place. In this letter, dated May 26th, Pte. Davison refers with deep regret to the death of his dear pal Bob. When he heard of it he felt broken hearted. He was as good as a brother to me, the letter proceeds and I cannot realise that he has gone. Nobody knows my feeling, and how sorry I am to lose such a dear friend, and I wish you to accept my deepest sympathy in your great loss. I know how you will miss him, and I hope the Lord will give you strength to bear up in your great loss. He fought and gave his life like a man.

The parents of the gallant departed soldier have also received a sympathetic letter from his old school teacher, Mr J. Bowden of Leigh-Street Council School, in which he says: He was such a noble, unassuming lad that one naturally became attached to him.

Private Allford attained his 20th birthday last January. He enlisted on the 11th June, 1915, three years ago, when only 17. He left England on the 30th April, 1916, and arrived in Egypt on May 11th. After about twelve months in Egypt he went to France about a year ago. He was at home on leave last October. In France he went through some heavy fighting. Up to enlisting he was employed as Northrop Weaver at Throstle Bank Mill. He was connected with St. Thomas's Sunday School.