L/Cpl Mallen was only a month short of completing 14 years of service in the Army when he was killed.

Extract from War Diary on the date of death:

The attack on enemy positions forward of TROARN was continued.

"C" Coy were to take Station at 158677 and "A" Coy the X roads 161676. Both attacks were met with heavy cross fire from MG's and though supported by tanks had to withdraw with heavy casualties.

Bn resumed former positions and later in day heavy shelling and mortaring caused casualties.

The Commanding Officer (Lt. Col G. D. Renny) having been previously wounded, left under orders from Brigadier and Major TG Coverdale took over command of the Bn.

Casualties in the Bn during these two days fighting were 12 Officers and 140 Other Ranks.

*Newspaper clipping from The Southern Reporter - Thursday September 14, 1944