James DEAN

Regimental number2300
Place of birthKirkstall, Victoria
ReligionPresbyterian
OccupationBootmaker
AddressAlbert Street, Port Fairy, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation31
Next of kinFather, William Dean, Albert Street, Port Fairy, Victoria
Enlistment date21 August 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll4 September 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name39th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/56/2
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 20 October 1916
Rank from Nominal RollLance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll39th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Recommendation date: "8-9 May 1918"

FateReturned to Australia 25 September 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'On the night of the 8th/9th May, 1918, in the locality of MERICOURT, Lance Corporal DEAN was in charge of the Battalion Stretcher Bearers. During the operations one man was killed and one wounded at No. 4 Post, he arranged for the wounded man to be carried away to the R.A.P. and himself carried the body of the other man who was badly mutilated, wrapped in a waterproof sheet, until he discovered a barrow on which he conveyed the body to MERICOURT. It was a very heavy task and was accomplished entirely voluntarily by Lance Corporal DEAN during the period of relief and under terrifically heavy enemy shelling. Shortly after his arrival at MERICOURT a shell exploded in a group of soldiers, killing several and wounding others.Although exhausted and dealing with men of another Battalion Lance Corporal DEAN took charge, helped to dress the wounded and arranged stretchers for their evacuation. He displayed the utmost gallantry and exhibited initiative of a high order. He has been conspicuously devoted to duty and has rendered service of inestimable value, being utterly fearless and possessed of a keen sense of duty.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Other details

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal