in july 1212, john summoned alan to send one thousand of the "best and most vigorous" gallovidian troops to assist the english forces in a planned campaign directed at northern wales. the fact that william appears to have been in john's presence at carlisle in late june, conceivably with alan and thomas as well, suggests that john's solicitation for alan's military support had william's consent. in fact, the scots had previously received military aid against the meic uilleim in the form of brabantine mercenaries lent by john, which may reveal that william used john's summons as an opportunity to make recompense. although alan accepted the summons, he refused to pay for the troops' upkeep as john had originally requested. this may show that alan reasoned that his refusal would avoid any suggestion that galloway owed england military service. late in 1214, william died and was succeeded by his son, alexander ii. according to "gesta annalia i", it was shortly after alexander's coronation that alan received royal confirmation of his right to the constableship.