[1] He was born into a clergy family – besides his father, his mother Emily Beatrice's father (James Wheeler) and brother (Harold Wheeler) were already vicars – and Falkner's three brothers also became priests – Oliver Allison became Bishop in the Sudan while Roger and Gordon remained vicars.

[2] Falkner (who was always known by his second forename) was educated at Dean Close School, Cheltenham as a child before studying as a Scholar at Jesus College, Cambridge and training for the ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge.

Having been made deacon on Trinity Sunday 1931 (31 May), by Linton Smith, Bishop of Rochester, at Rochester Cathedral,[3] Allison served his title post as curate of St James's Church, Tunbridge Wells until 1934, being ordained priest on Trinity Sunday (22 May) 1932, by Smith at Rochester Cathedral.

In 1940, Allison became Vicar of Erith until he was appointed Principal of Ridley Hall in 1945, where he served until his election as Bishop of Chelmsford.

[6] He remained in Winchester until his retirement in 1974,[7] during which time he was ex officio a Lord Spiritual and Prelate of the Order of the Garter.