#292 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. // https://bestofbelfast.org/stories/bill-allen-prison-officer //