Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Lance-Corporal

Unit:

A Tank, No. 2 Squadron, 4th Battalion, Grenadier Guards

Awarded on:

March 22nd, 1945

Citation:
"At MEIJEL on 5 November 1944, Lance Corporal Dean was the gunner of 'A' tank of his troop. The troop formed part of No. 2 Squadron, which had been ordered to make a dash round the enemy flank. Shortly after crossing the Start Line, Lance Corporals tank as blown up on a mine, but the main armament was unimpaired. He therefore continued to give continuous support by Besa and 75 mm fire to our own attacking Infantry (R.S.F.) Shortly after this a Troop of No. 1 Squadron reached him, but all three tanks of this other Troop were knocked out by Anti Tank fire. Lance Corporal Dean well knew that the Anti Tank guns therefore now had his range and location, but he continued firing and succeeded in knocking out two enemy Out Posts. In the meantime his crew Commander got out of the tank to confer with the Troop Leader of No. 1 Squadron and was seriously wounded. Lance Corporal Dean assumed command of the tank and continued offensive action against the enemy. When he had exhausted all his ammunition he asked and received permission to leave his tank. He then under heavy enemy fire evacuated his crew to safety while he himself went forward to rescue his crew Commander. Eventually he succeeded in getting him to the First Aid post and continued to help in evacuating casualties. His conduct throughout was exemplary and he displayed a very high degree of personal courage and outstsnding devotion to duty. His offensive action against the enemy played a considerable part in helping the infantry forward to their objective."