Camden Courier-Post – April 28, 1950
Arthur Allen, 55, who was a member of the first American Tank Corps formed in War I, died Thursday night in his home, 3167 Merriell [sic] avenue, after an illness of a year.
Born in New Gretna, he had been a resident of Camden since 1930. For the last seven years he was a district manager of R. M. Hollingshead Corp., four years of which were in New York and three in Camden.
Mr. Allen was one of 700 young soldiers who had been sent from the then Camp Dix, now Ft. Dix, to France, unattached to any outfit. They were to be used where needed.
Volunteered for Tanks
The tank corps was formed at Celchershod, France, after an army colonel, “Spike” Hennessey, had explained that the plan was to form such a unit and the colonel asked for volunteers for such service. Mr. Allen was one of the volunteers.
He was in action with the tanks In the Meuse-Argonne sector as a driver in the tank group commanded by Gen. George D. Patton. He served 14 months In France, was promoted to corporal and then to sergeant on the field of battle.
Member of Masons
Mr. Allen was a member of Camden Lodge 15. FAM, for 27 years, and also was a member of the American Legion and VFW posts in New Gretna.
Surviving are his widow, Vesta M., who is a teacher of the second grade in the Garfield public school: a son, Arthur Jr: a brother, Harry Allen, New Gretna, and a granddaughter.
Friends may call at the Mason E. Bradley funeral home, 3303 Federal street, Saturday night. Masonic services will be held at 8 o’clock. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2.30 p.m. in the New Gretna Methodist Church. The Rev. Everett N. Hunt, pastor of the Asbury Methodist Church, Camden, will officiate. Burial will be In the cemetery at the church. Pall-bearers will be six veterans of War I who served with Mr. Allen in France.
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