Prison Officer Bill Allen on Physical Courage, Violent Men and Giving Up Drink

 

Bill Allen (William Frank Allen) is an ex-prison officer who worked in the Crumlin Road Jail and Maze Prison at the height of the troubles.

In today’s episode, we talk about:

  • Growing up in London after WW2

  • Mars Bars coming off the ration

  • How he got into prison work

  • Physical courage

  • War hero and friend Ken Lewis

  • The Shankill Butchers

  • Why rough men keep the world safe

  • How a dog foiled a prison escape

  • His dislike of certainty

  • And 50-years of sobriety

This conversation is part of our Wild Wisdom mini-series in partnership with Sai Kelly where we talk with older men about what masculinity means to them, the experiences that shaped them and the hard-earned lessons they’ve picked up along the way.

Check it out.

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Treasure Trove

What's Your Favourite Quote?
”People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” — George Orwell

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Thanks again to Bill Allen for taking the time to share his story with us.

See you next time.

— Matt

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Matthew Thompson