Format: Person

Linked To

Collection

Image

Recollections

no stories yet

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand License

This licence lets you remix, tweak, and build upon our work noncommercially and although your new works must also acknowledge us and be noncommercial, you do not have to license the derivative works on the same terms.

Tools

Download Add to My Collection Contact us about this Citation for this item

Kā Kōrero o Waikirikiri Selwyn Stories

2nd Lieutenant Alexander Deans

Description

Title2nd Lieutenant Alexander DeansAlternative NameAlstairSummaryA soldier in World War One. DescriptionAlexander was born at Riccarton on 23 November 1890, son of John and Catherine Edith Deans. Educated firstly at Cook's School, then at Christchurch Boys High School, he was not only a smart scholar but also showed a keen interest in both football and cricket. In 1909 he was vice-captain of the Rugby Fifteen and captain of the Cricket Eleven. He also won the senior free-hand drawing prize. He was one of the school monitors and served four years with Christchurch Boys High School Cadets. He continued his military interest and was one of the most active members of the 1st Mounted Rifles (Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry) holding the rank of First Lieutenant in 1916.

At the time of his enlistment he was engaged in farming at Homebush. He was 5ft 10½in tall with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and light brown hair. He also had a number of small scars including on his lower lip. He was married to Nora nee Knight and father of two children, the youngest being barely three months old. His wife also travelled to England as her contact address was given as C/o Mrs F. Harris, Basford Hall, near Leek, Staffordshire.

Alexander enlisted on 30 May 1916 at Trentham. He had previously been in command of Wellington Infantry in Camp at Trentham. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 3 July. He embarked on 19 January 1917 on board the Waitemata with 3rd Battalion Canterbury Regiment. He disembarked at Devonport on 29 March and was taken on the strength at Sling Camp and assigned to the 5th Reserve Battalion, posted to D company. On 1st April, still at Sling he was posted to 2nd Battalion Canterbury Regiment then to 2nd company, 3rd Battalion at Codford on 2 May 1917. He left for France from Codford with the 3rd Battalion on 28 May disembarking at Le Havre the following day. He was detached to the school of instruction in the field on 17 June 1917 for a one week course, re-joining the unit on 24 June. He was first reported wounded in action on 4 October but later reported killed, aged 27.

The New Zealand Division took part in the Battle of Broodseinde on 4 October 1917, tasked with seizing part of the Broodseinde Ridge called Gravenstafel Spur. On that day the New Zealand soldiers overwhelmed German forward positions, captured 1100 prisoners and helped to extend the front line eastwards. This was achieved at a cost of 1700 casualties, including 350 deaths. The following week the disastrous attack on Passchendaele and high casualties resulted in the survivors of the New Zealand Division being withdrawn over the following weeks, meaning the possible witnesses to his death could not be gathered. As an officer and platoon commander he would have been a particular target for German snipers. Alexander was one of two officers killed that day the other being the Rev. G. S. Bryan-Brown, C.F. His body was not recovered or identified and his name is inscribed on the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Missing, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Zonnebeke. In New Zealand Alexander is remembered on the Malvern County and Sheffield War Memorials.

First NameAlexander Last NameDeansFamilyMarried to Norah nee Knight Son of John and Catherine Edith DeansDate of Birth23 November 1890Place of BirthRiccarton, ChristchurchDate of Death4 October 1917Place of DeathBroodseinde Ridge, YpresCause of DeathKilled in actionAge at Death26

Connections

CollectionSoldiers of Selwyn World War OneImageMalvern War MemorialSheffield War MemorialThe Deans family, 1890 The Deans family, 1900More InformationAuckland War Memorial Cenotaph

Military Service

Memorial or CemeteryMalvern County War Memorial Sheffield War MemorialOccupation before EnlistingFarmerEnlistment Details30th May 1916 at TrenthamService Number27693Embarkation19th January 1917Place of EmbarkationWellingtonTransportWaitemataCountryNew Zealand

Attribution

Researched ByL. M. Seaton

Menu

2nd Lieutenant Alexander Deans