Charles Dean

Charles Dean enlisted in Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment) on 1 September 1914. The medal rolls show he served in 2nd Battalion and entered theatre on 27 December 1914. At some point he was posted to 1st battalion. On 9 May 1915 the battalion attacked Rouge Blancs, going over the top at 6.10 am. The British artillery barrage had been totally inadequate and the enemy positions had hardly been touched. Eight machine guns faced the men as they went forward. 'B' Company managed to get within 40 yards of the enemy wire but found it uncut, except for one four yard gap. An order came to 'stop advance' and Major Morley ordered 'B' and 'D' companies to fall back behind the breastwork and reorganize. At 7.35 am, 'A' and 'C' companies advanced in support of the East Lancashire's, with 'B' and 'D' companies following, but once again machine gun fire checked the move and the men lay in the open at whatever point they had reached. At 1.15pm the enemy brought enfilade fire to bear and the men were ordered back to the breastwork again. At 7.30,pm, the enemy opened up with High Explosive artillery and caused many casualties. At 10 pm, the battalion was relieved and moved back to Rouge de Bout. Charles was one of nearly a 100 men killed during the day. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial Belgium. John Morse

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