Robert Alexander Allan (1914-1979)
"Bobby" Allan, M.P., O.B.E., D.S.O., Baron Allan of Kilmahew
He was born in Scotland. He was educated at Harrow School; Clare College, Cambridge; and, Yale University. He served with Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) during World War II, making a name for himself in Alexandria, Egypt, as the commander of a squadron of motor torpedo boats which harassed enemy shipping in the Mediterranean. He was mentioned in despatches five times; won the D.S.O for his service off the west coast of Italy; and, was awarded the Croix de Guerre and made a Commander of the Legion of Honour (1943). He was awarded the O.B.E in the 1944 New Year’s Honours List. He was the Conservative Member of Parliament for Paddington South (1951-1966) and Parliamentary & Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (1958-59).
Outside of politics, he was Chairman of Ladybird Books, a director of Pearson & Longman Publishers, and a Governor of the BBC from 1971-76. In 1973, he was created a Life Peer as Baron Allan of Kilmahew, of Cardross in the County of Dunbartonshire. He married Maureen, daughter of Harold Stuart-Clark, of Singapore, and they had two children.
Outside of politics, he was Chairman of Ladybird Books, a director of Pearson & Longman Publishers, and a Governor of the BBC from 1971-76. In 1973, he was created a Life Peer as Baron Allan of Kilmahew, of Cardross in the County of Dunbartonshire. He married Maureen, daughter of Harold Stuart-Clark, of Singapore, and they had two children.
