Ellis Dean (Soldier)
Ellis Dean MBE MC TD | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Dixie |
| Born | 2 March 1922 |
| Died | 15 August 2012 (aged 90) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |  British Army |
| Years of service | 1941 to 1967 |
| Rank | Major |
| Service number | 288761 |
| Unit | Royal Welsh Fusiliers The Parachute Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Second World War: |
| Awards | Military Cross, 1946 Efficiency Decoration, 1955 MBE, 1963 |
| Spouse(s) | Jean Dean |
| Other work | Businessman |
Major Ellis 'Dixie' Dean MBE MC TD (2 March 1922 – 15 August 2012) was a British Army officer who served with the 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Battalion in North West Europe, having begun his military career in the ranks with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, during the Second World War and later the Far East.
Military service[edit]
Dean joined the Royal Welsh Fusiliers aged 18 in 1941. He was posted to the village of Fulbeck in Lincolnshire where he met a pretty young school girl, Jean Farmer, and dazzled her with his charm and tennis prowess. He volunteered for The Parachute Regiment in 1942 and was granted an emergency commission on 7 August 1943.
Dean initially served at the Airborne Forces Depot at Hardwick Hall before later joining the 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Battalion. In 1944, Dean began training for the allied invasion of Europe. He served with the Battalion throughout the campaigns in North West Europe in 1944-45 and went on to serve in the Far East.
Military Cross[edit]
He was awarded the Military Cross for his actions at the Battle of Bure, reported in the London Gazette on 24 January 1946.
The citation records:
“Lieutenant Dean jumped into Normandy on 6th June 1944, as Machine Gun Officer, 13th Battalion (Lancashire) The Parachute Regiment. Throughout the campaign in Normandy he commanded his Platoon with outstanding skill, courage and devotion to duty.
In the Battle of Bure in Belgium 3rd January, a German Royal Tiger Tank with infantry escorting, was advancing down the village street covered by the guns of Lieutenant Dean’s Platoon. A gun team was hit and all killed or wounded.
At point blank range, Lieutenant Dean crossed the street. He carried the only survivor to safety, then, in spite of heavy fire from the tank not 100 yards away, he returned for the gun. He returned to command his platoon as imperturbable as ever.
He again jumped with his Machine Guns into Germany over the Rhine on 24th March. During this campaign his conduct, cheerfulness, and leadership have been beyond praise, and a wonderful example to all ranks.”
Post war[edit]
Dean stayed on in the Army after the war and later served in the Territorial Army until 1967.
Civilian life and family[edit]
After the war Dean settled in Formby with his wife and for 35 years he ran a successful market gardening business whilst they raised their family. Major Dean and Jean lived at Moss Side farm for 58 years, until they recently moved to a bungalow on Wicks Lane near the old army barracks.
Major “Dixie” Dean MBE, MC, TD died in hospital on Sunday 5 August 2012 at the age of 90. He was survived by his wife Jean, a daughter and two sons. He had five grandchildren.
Honours and decorations[edit]
Ribbon bars of Major Ellis Dean
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- 1945: 1939–45 Star
- 1945: France and Germany Star
- 1945: War Medal 1939–1945
- 1946: General Service Medal (1918)
- 1946: Military Cross
- 1955: Efficiency Decoration (Territorial & Army Volunteer Reserve)
- 1961: Clasp for Territorial Efficiency Decoration & Efficiency Medal (Territorial)
- 1963: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
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