2623256 Ronald Cyril DEAN, Grenadier Guards & 3 Commando: 06/06/44

Remembering Today

Casualty Details | CWGC
GUARDSMAN RONALD CYRIL DEAN
Service Number: 2623256
Regiment & Unit: Grenadier Guards and No. 3 Commando
Date of Death: Died 06 June 1944
Age 21 years old
Buried or commemorated at RANVILLE WAR CEMETERY
Grave Reference: IVA. K. 10.
Location: France
Additional Info: Son of Walter and Alice Lavinia Dean; grandson of Elizabeth Abram, of Newby, Yorkshire.
Personal Inscription: HE DIED FOR US

 

Ronald Cyril 'Dixie' Dean was born on 18th March 1923 in Scalby, Yorkshire and attended Scalby Church of England School as a young boy. Prior to joining the services, Dixie was employed by coal merchants Messrs Fells before becoming a lorry driver.
He enlisted in the Grenadier Guards, in Scarborough, when he was 19 years old and was keen to sign up on Normal Engagement so he could serve alongside his friends.
Shortly before D-Day, Dixie was held at a sealed camp in Titchfield which was run by Americans. Avoiding boredom, the troops organised their own entertainment through five-a-side football matches, boxing matches and nightly cinema viewings.
It was here that the troops were informed of 'Operation Overlord'.
They were shown photos, given briefings and issued with French Francs, although any place names remained shrouded in secrecy. Their specific orders were to 'get to the bridges'.
On the fateful morning, Dixie and his fellow troops were taken to Warsash before being boarded on landing craft and sent on their way to Sword Beach as part of the invasion of Normandy.


http://dday7.channel4.com/the-seven#Dixie

 

RONALD 'DIXIE' DEAN


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