World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. He received the award for his actions near Lens, France from 24 to 26 September 1918. Born in Herne Hill, London, England, he served as a private with the 28th London (Artists Rifles) Regiment of the British Army during the Battle of the Somme, France from July to September 1916. The following month he was commissioned as a lieutenant and saw combat action at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, France in April 1917. In 1918 he was assigned to the 8th Battalion of The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment and was serving in the unit during the period of 24 to 26 September when he engaged the enemy in heavy combat near Lens, France. Following the end of the war, he remained in the British Army. During World War II, he saw action during the British evacuation from the French ports of Boulogne and Dunkirk in 1940. Later, he served in Madagascar and participated in the Allied invasion of Sicily and Italy, and in 1945 he was promoted to the rank of colonel. In addition to the Victoria Cross, he received the Order of the British Empire, the Danish Order of the Dannebrog, and the Territorial Decoration (or longevity in the British Army), and was twice mentioned in dispatches (one whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which is described the soldier's gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy). He died in Sittingbourne, Kent, England at the age of 88. His Victoria Cross citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery, skilful command and devotion to duty during the period 24th to 26th September 1918, when holding, with his platoon, an advance 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 the 24th September, 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 after midnight another determined enemy attack was driven off. Throughout the night Lieutenant Dean worked unceasingly with his men, and about 6am on the 25th September a resolute enemy attack, supported by heavy shell and trench-mortar fire, developed. Again, owing to the masterly handling of his command, Lieutenant Dean repulsed the attack, causing heavy enemy casualties. Throughout the 25th and the night of the 25th / 26th September 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 Lieutenant Dean inspired his command with his own contempt of danger, and all fought with the greatest bravery. He set an example of valorous leadership and devotion to duty of the very highest order." He was the last surviving British soldier to have won the Victoria Cross during World War I.