DEAN, Cecil Charles

Cecil enlisted in September 1915 when he was a twenty eight year old Ironmonger working at A.M. Cansdell’s Store in Inverell. Prior to this job he had served an apprenticeship with McLean and Lydiard. He had also been a member of the Inverell Rifle Club.

Cecil joined the 3rd Battalion, 14th Reinforcement and sailed from Sydney for Egypt on RMS Osterley in January 1916. He eventually went to France in April 1916. Whilst there he was the recipient of a parcel from the Inverell Soldiers Sock Fund and The Inverell Times 26 September 1916 published his letter home saying

… I went round looking for Inverell boys in other companies and so far have distributed 10 pairs … the boys were all very much delighted … it is often difficult to get anything in the way of clean clothing … The boys were all very much delighted and have asked me to convey our sincere thanks to the members of the Sock Fund …

Cecil was wounded in action in December 1916 and sent to England for treatment at Lewisham Military Hospital. He had a gunshot wound to his right leg which had to be amputated. After further surgery, Cecil had a long wait to be fitted with an artificial limb before returning to Australia.

Arriving at Inverell Cecil was warmly greeted at the Railway Station before attending a Welcome Home ceremony at the Council Chambers.

After his return, Cecil obtained the position of Assistant Town Clerk with Inverell Municipal Council. He married at Inverell in 1920 and later moved to Sydney to live. Tragically, in 1934, he slipped at Chatwood Railway Station and fell under a train resulting in injuries which caused his death.

Cecil was a son of Charles and Emma Dean of Inverell. His name is recorded on the Inverell Honor Roll.