Medal & Mortality index
The Victoria Cross Decoration was instituted January 29th, 1856, for the
purpose of signalising special individual acts of bravery. It may be conferred
on any rank. The Badge consists of a Bronze Cross patee with the Royal Crown in
the centre and underneath a scroll bearing the inscription '''For Valour." The
colour of the ribbon is red. :
N.W. of LENS, FRANCE, 24th to 26th September, 1918. For most conspicuous
bravery, skilful command, and devotion to duty when holding, with his platoon,
an advanced post established in a newly-captured enemy trench north-west of
Lens. The left flank of the position was insecure, and the post, when taken over
on the night of September 24th, was ill-prepared for defence.
Shortly after the post was occupied the enemy attempted, without success, to
recapture it. Under heavy machine-gun fire consolidation was continued, and
shortly after midnight another determined enemy attack was driven off.
Throughout the night Lieut. Dean worked unceasingly with his men, and about 6
a.m. on September 25th a resolute enemy attack, supported by heavy shell and
trench mortar fire, developed. Again, owing to the masterly handling of his
command, Lieut. Dean repulsed the attack, causing heavy enemy casualties.
Throughout the 25th and the night of September 25th-26 h consolidation was
continued under heavy fire, which culminated in intense artillery fire on the
morning of the 26th, when the enemy again attacked and was finally repulsed with
loss. Five times in all (thrice heavily) was this post attacked, and on each
occasion the attack was driven back. Throughout the period, Lieut. Dean inspired
his command with his own contempt of danger, and all fought with the greatest
bravery . He set an example of valour, leadership and devotion to duty of the
very highest order.
[Reg. No. 3692. Gazetted 4th October, 1916]