'HE died a hero and he needs to be remembered as one' — a Yelverton woman has this week appealed to Times readers for help as she researches her family history. Thomas Allen, born in 1849, married Jesse in 1868. Both 19, they lived in a Duke of Bedford cottage at 33 West Street in Tavistock, due to Thomas' job as a copper miner at East Crebor Mine. The couple had five children and were happily married for 12 years. One morning on Tuesday, July 13, 1880, Thomas set off to work, not knowing it was to be his last. At around noon, a storm approaching Tavistock from the Mary Tavy and Lydford area saw a deluge of rain hit the town, accompanied by thunder. In a report from the Tavistock Gazette at the time stated: 'One who watched the storm from Heathfield declares it presented the appearance of one solid sheet of water poured in a continuous volume from the heavens.' The rain that fell within an hour caused streams to swell and rush into the Tavy. The river rose about ten feet within 30 minutes — the disastrous effects of the flood were mainly in the Parkwood and Mount Tavy roads. But the destruction to property during the flash flood was nothing compared with what occurred at East Crebor Mine, a short distance from the town, on the road to Walreddon. Several men were working underground at the time of the rising of the river, but it happened so rapidly they were not alerted to the danger in time. The water filled the adit level, and then poured in an immense volume into the workings, inundating the levels being cleared. An alarm was raised and Thomas Allen went to investigate. On learning what was happening, he went back to warn his two comrades of their danger. They were evidently making their way up to the higher level when all three were met by the body of water and forced back to meet their death. The Tavistock Gazette reported: 'Allen sacrificed his life in order to save his comrades. The names of the men are Henry Hill (married) resident at Manor House Cottage; Thomas Allen, resident at West Street (married), and John Cloak resident at West Bridge Cottages (married, leaves seven children).' After seven years as a widow, Jesse married David Hole, a gardener, who was 17 years her junior. They married in 1888 in Tavistock. David and Jesse had a child called Maud, born in 1890 in Crediton. Maud's grandaughter Mary Motte uncovered the story of Thomas' heroic act while researching her family tree. Mary, who has been pushing for recognition of his bravery, said: 'He is not my blood relative but I feel my great grandmother Jesse and him were so in love — and I believe she is the one wanting me, and pushing me, to do this in his memory and for him to be remembered for what he did — sacrificing his life for other people. 'He is buried in Dolvin Road Cemetery and there is a Victorian inscription on it but there is no plaque anywhere. 'Why not? He is a hero!' Mary wants to hear from anyone who may be an 'Allen' from the area, or knows of anyone connected with Thomas or the Allen family or with Jesse, to get in contact. 'I want to meet any Allens out there but I also want to see a picture of Thomas,' said Mary. 'I know we are not related but we are associated by marriage through my great- grandmother Jesse.' • Mary would also like to hear from any 'Metters' as Jesse's maiden name was Metters before she married Thomas. Her father was called Jonathan Metters and he was a tailor from Tavistock. To contact Mary call her on 01822 855868.