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Allen Oates was another soldier to bring back an English bride, having married Charlotte Pass in July 1919. Free passages were offered to the brides if they were prepared to travel third class. Officers and Non Commissioned Officers could pay extra for the privilege of having their wives travel either first or second class. Allen chose the later prepared to pay the extra £38.
Allen was a 21 year old orchardist from Mountain River when he enlisted in July 1916 and was taken on strength with the 40th Battalion in the field on 7 February 1917. By June 1918 he has been promoted to the rank of corporal and lance sergeant the following month. Two days after the signing of the Armistice he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Allen managed to get through 1917 & 1918 without being ill or wounded. In April he was marched out from France to England and granted leave. Allen and his bride departed England on 7 January 1920.
Post war—Allen was a farmer at Grove. He died on 11 July 1971 aged 76 years.