Percy Dean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Percy Dean
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Group of naval VC winners at Wellington Barracks hosted by King George V. Percy Dean is at left
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| Member of Parliament for Blackburn | |
| In office 14 December 1918 – 26 October 1922 Serving with Sir Henry Norman, 1st Baronet
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| Monarch | George V |
| Preceded by | Philip Snowden |
| Succeeded by | Sydney Henn |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 July 1877 Blackburn, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 20 March 1939 (aged 61) London, England |
| Political party | Conservative |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch/service | Royal Navy |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
Percy Thompson Dean (born July 20, 1877 – died March 20, 1939) was a brave British sailor, a successful businessman, and a politician. He is famous for receiving the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to soldiers in the British and Commonwealth forces. He also served as a Member of Parliament.
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A Heroic Act: The Victoria Cross
Percy Dean was 40 years old during the First World War. He was a lieutenant in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He earned the Victoria Cross for an incredibly brave act.
The Zeebrugge Raid
On April 22 and 23, 1918, a daring mission took place in Zeebrugge, Belgium. Two ships, Intrepid and Iphigenia, were sunk on purpose. Their crews needed to be rescued.
Lieutenant Dean commanded Motor Launch 282. He bravely took his boat to pick up more than 100 officers and men. This happened while they were under constant and heavy fire from enemy machine guns.
After rescuing everyone, he was about to leave the canal. But then, his boat's steering gear broke down. He had to use the engines to steer the boat. As he was finally clearing the harbor entrance, he heard that an officer was still in the water. Without hesitation, he turned his boat back. He went straight into danger again to rescue the officer.
Dean later reached the rank of lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy.
Life After the War
After the First World War, Percy Dean became a politician.
Serving as a Member of Parliament
In the 1918 United Kingdom general election, Dean was elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament. He represented the area of Blackburn. He served in Parliament until the 1922 United Kingdom general election.
Between the two World Wars, he was also the chairman of a company in Wales. This company was called the Moelferna and Dee Side Slate and Slab Quarries Company.
Where to See His Medal
Percy Dean's Victoria Cross medal is a very important historical item. You can see it on display in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery. This gallery is located at the Imperial War Museum in London.
