RSA National Media Release
28 April 2012


RSA saddened by the passing of Sir Fred Allen

The Royal New Zealand RSA is saddened by the passing of Sir Fred Allen today.

“Sir Fred was a great New Zealander and greatly respected for his feats on both the fields of rugby and war,” says RSA National Chief Executive Stephen Clarke, “and a man who possessed that much loved Kiwi quality of great humility.”
“He would always say ‘just call me Fred’,” recalls Clarke.

Sir Fred Allen was synonymous with a generation when war and rugby were closely interlinked. The outbreak of World War 2 interrupted Allen’s provincial rugby representative career and undoubtedly from attaining national representative honours earlier in his career. Serving as a lieutenant in the 27th and 30th Battalions during World War 2, Allen was part of the 2nd NZEF "Kiwis" Army team that made a wonderfully successful tour of Britain in 1945-46 before being selected for the All Blacks in 1946 and a stellar career as a player, coach and administrator.

Sir Fred was a great supporter of the RSA and fellow veterans and was a active member at Silverdale RSA. In 2007, with his long-time friend and fellow “Khaki All Black”/All Black Bob Scott, he represented the RSA at 90th anniversary of Passchendaele commemorations at Menin Gate and the grave of All Blacks Captain Dave Gallaher.

“Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and fellow comrades,” says Clarke.

“And at RSAs around the country his wider ‘RSA family’ will be remembering this great Kiwi.”

ENDS

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