Early Years
William Francis Dean was born in Sharpness, Gloucestershire in 1885, the son of Charles Dean, a striker, and his wife Minnie. He was christened at All Saints Church, Gloucester in January 1887.
Malvern connection
In April 1911 William Dean was living with his wife Maud, son Walter and baby daughter Marjorie. The family had very recently moved to Malvern and were living at 5 Davenham Cottage, Moorlands Road, Malvern. William had married Maude in Chepstow in April 1908.
William Dean enlisted in Malvern and served initially with the Army Ordnance Corps. He was later transferred to the 1st East Yorkshire Regiment and was reported missing on the 20th July 1918. He was killed in action between 28th May and 10th June 1918. It appears that after the war, Maude returned to her hometown of Chepstow.
Commemoration
William’s body was never recovered and today he is commemorated on the Soissons Memorial. At home he is remembered on the Holy Trinity War Memorial in Malvern, and the Chepstow Memorial.
Malvern News 20/7/18
Soldiers Effects
Pension Records