Sergeant HARRY MICHAEL DEAN
3411 - 1st Tunnelling Company
As the young soldier moved down the gangway of the Hospital Ship Kanowna supported by his artificial leg, the relief of touching home soil after active service abroad would have been enormous. Stepping ashore on the Brisbane dock that February day in 1918, his physique probably thinner than the fifty-nine kilograms he left with, his fair complexion a lot paler, and his blue eyes gaunt from the pain, Sergeant Dean could never have imagined his life would have changed like this.
Harry Michael Dean was born in Bundaberg in 1890 the second youngest of five children. His father was a Queensland Police Magistrate and the family transferred to many towns around the State. He attended the ChartersTowersHigh School and those years spent in the mining town of Charters Towers influenced him to attend the well-known School of Mines there, where he graduated at the end of 1915 with the following credentials:
1915 Associate Mining Engineering
1915 Associate Metallurgical Engineering
1915 Diploma Metallurgy Chemistry & Assaying
1915 Diploma Mining Surveying
Recruiting centres had been calling for volunteers for the First World War since August, 1914, but in the last quarter of 1915 a special appeal had been launched to sign up volunteers from all mining and allied trades to form a unique Battalion to assist fighting in the War. The Australian Mining Corps was quickly formed and embarked from Sydney on February 20th, 1916 bound for France where they promptly began using their mining skills to tunnel under enemy lines, laying explosives to put them in disarray.
Harry’s family were residing in Townsville when he received his Diplomas and not long after graduating he enlisted on May 8th, 1916. His family would have watched his departure by train as he left for training camp. Three months later, Harry’s parents would farewell their youngest son Alfred (Fred) Edwin Dean when he enlisted for active service. Fred left his Townsville employment with Connolly and Suthers, Solicitors where he served as an Article Clerk for five years.
Upon Harry’s arrival at Rosebery Park Camp, N.S.W. ten days later, he was immediately promoted to Sergeant because of his Mining Engineer qualifications, and a few days later was one of the Reinforcements which left Sydney for Melbourne on the troopship A69 Warilda on May 22nd, 1916.
After leaving Melbourne their voyage travelled via Durban, Cape Town and St Vincent before terminating at Plymouth, England on July 18th, 1916. The Reinforcements were detrained to Tidworth for training at Perham Downs on the Salisbury Plains. One month later Sergeant Dean was attached to the 1st Tunnelling Company who were mining in Belgium as part of the British eight-month secret plan to capture Messines Ridge.
In this region the tunnellers had mined a series of underground passageways, some deep and others shallow, which stretched underneath the enemy front in strategic directions. At the end of some passageways was a tiny area called a Listening Post where a trained Sapper would listen with an instrument called a geophone to the vibrations and detect the enemy by the sounds of his activity. The Germans were also tunnelling and using the same tactics. When it was relevant to each side’s advance they would blow a charged mine referred to as a camouflet and the infantry would attack quickly after.
On April 7th, 1917 a Corporalin the tunnelling section was killed at his listening post by a German camouflet and a squad was detailed to retrieve his body and reconstruct the damaged gallery. A planned explosion in another gallery had been organised for a British dummy raid to catch the enemy’s interest later that evening. The Australians exploded one mine and a listening post near Larchwood and the enemy rushed into the awaiting trap by the British raiding party, completing a successful attack and also capturing 26 prisoners.
Two days later on Easter Monday evening this area was raided by 600 specially selected German soldiers in a well planned invasion to boldly investigate and quickly devastate the British Mining System. The enemy raiders took advantage of the Divisional change-over between two British units which left their Artillery defence somewhat lacking, giving the German invaders a relatively trouble-free mission.
Fortunately on duty was a section of the 1st Tunnelling Company commanded by Sergeant John W. Bott and his men, who fought to prevent the enemy from finding and entering the deep mining system entrances. The rescue team working underground to retrieve the Corporal’s body were driven from their work by the cessation of their pumps as the area became water-logged. The group quickly returned to the entrance to find the raid in full force and were attacked and bombed with five tunnellers taken as prisoners. Sergeant Dean suffered severe gunshot wounds mainly to the back of his left leg and right foot and was left for dead by the Germans.
‘Easter Raid 6-9 April, 1917 LARCHWOOD AREA, NEAR HILL 60
Fortunately Sergeant Harry M. Dean considered by the Germans as dead was able to give his account of the raid but Sergeant Ernest Alexander Bennett was killed.
(OFFICIAL HISTORY of WW1 - C.E.W. BEAN)’
The enemy raiders infiltrated 183 metres (200 yards) into the British line and were there for about an hour inflicting their destruction, but were not able to locate or penetrate any of the deep mining system. The five tunnellers who were taken prisoner did not divulge any information when interrogated but the soil sample the enemy took indicated to them that there was deep mining somewhere beneath the German line.
The tally of human loss revealed 33 British and 43 Germans killed and 200 more were casualties with Tunneller Sergeant Ernest A. Bennett losing his life in the raid. The Germans quick assessment of the lifeless Sergeant Dean saved him and he was able to give his account of the raid and taken to the Casualty Clearing Station in a dangerously ill condition.
About a week later his parents who were now living in Brisbane, were cabled from Belgium by Chaplain Gray stating Harry was “doing nicely” but serious, with the official advice sent on the second anniversary of Anzac Day stating he was dangerously ill. Harry had been treated in several field hospitals and his condition was serious, although he showed signs of improvement. But by the middle of May, it seems infection had set in and he was transported on the Hospital Ship St Andrew and admitted to the RoyalVictoriaHospital, Welfey, England where an amputation of his left leg below the knee followed. His younger brother Fred had also been admitted around the same time to a hospital in Farningham, England suffering from Trench Fever and cables were sent to their parents in Brisbane and elder brother in Townsville with reports of their progress.
After three months treatment at the RoyalVictoriaHospital, Sergeant Dean was transferred to the 2nd AuxiliaryHospital at Southall, England for a further three months rehabilitation and fitting with an artificial leg. A brief fortnight’s furlough followed then he returned to the Depot for his embarkation discharge and left for Australia on December 16th, 1917.
Harry’s arrival home to Brisbane found his parents grieving the loss of his younger brother Fred, who had been killed in action in Belgium on January 11th, 1918. A bittersweet reunion as he and his family adjusted to the aftermath of a war.
Sergeant Harry Dean’s military service was formerly over by the severity of his wounding and he was discharged medically unfit on March 22nd, 1918 and later on awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, honouring the service for his country as part of the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company.
Despite his injuries and the loss of his leg at 27 years of age, Harry Dean married five months after his return in July 1918 at Pialba, Queensland to Helen Cairncross and commenced his long career as a Metallurgical Chemist in Port Kembla, New South Wales, where they raised their family of three children. He lived to the age of 70 years and died in April, 1961 at Port Kembla.
The following notices advised of Harry’s passing:
[believed to be from the Port Kembla Herald]
Dean, Harry Michael, April 26, 1961, At the Royal General Hospital, Concord, late of 8 Reservoir St Port Kembla, beloved husband of Helen & beloved father of Eric, June (Mrs Nelson), and Bob, aged 70 years. See Friday's "Herald for funeral or phone LA 5584.
Sydney Morning Herald - Friday 28/4/1961 (p22)
DEAN, The Relatives and friends of Mrs Helen Dean and Family, of 14 Reservoir Street Port Kembla, are invited to attend the Funeral of her beloved husband, HARRY MICHAEL DEAN: to leave the Methodist Church, Port Kembla, this Friday, after service at 2.30pm., for the Woolloongong Crematorium. H.Parsons, Woolloongong, Phone B3602.
DEAN,- The Officers and Bretheren of Lodge Port Kembla No. 460, U.G.L. of NSW and Sister Lodges are requested to attend the Funeral of their esteemed Wor. Bro. HARRY MICHAEL DEAN: to leave the Methodist Church, Port Kembla, this Friday, after service at 2.30pm, for the Woolloongong Crematorium, N. Beaumont. W.M. J.Deathridge, Sec.
Sergeant Dean along with four and a half thousand men from the affiliated Australian mining trades provided a different kind of military defence during the Great War, warfare underground.
Sources: The Official History of WWI. C.E.W. Bean. The A.I.F. in France –The Mines at Hill 60.
My Story of the Great War. O.H. Woodward 1933
Recollections by William McBride c1960.
National Archives: WWI Personnel Papers.
ChartersTowersStateHigh School Roll of Honour.
Newspapers: The Brisbane Courier, Townsville Daily Bulletin, Townsville Evening Star & The Northern Miner.
Queensland Government Mining Journal. 1911-1920.
Additional Family History and Photograph: Mr Harry Dean, Mackay, Qld.
Minierkampf und Kriegsgeologie im Wytschactebogen c1935 Major. Dr Walter Kranz.
Australian War Memorial.
Northern Miner (ChartersTowers) - late in 1915
Amongst the latest of our local young men to decide to do his share in upholding the unity of the Empire is Mr Harry Dean (3rd son of Police Magistrate at Townsville) who for several years stationed here as C.P.S. Mr Dean although not a Towers native has spent a number of years here. He was educated at the Boys Central under Mr Norris and has also been studying at the School of Mines for the past three years, when on Friday last he concluded his final examinations for the full courses. He expects shortly to hear of his having successfully passed them in which case he will have qualified as a metallurgical engineer. Mr Dean is one of our local Ambulance Brigade bearers and leaves for Townsville tonight to pass the final medical test before going on to Enoggera.
Northern Miner 19 February 1916
Harry Dean who enlisted at ChartersTowers about two months ago, has been transferred from the A.M.C. to the Field Engineers. He is at present attending a class for non-commissioned officers, and if successful is to have a chance to obtain a commission in the new army of 50,000. This opportunity was given on the strength if his School of Mines diplomas in mining engineering. Donald Plant obtained his diploma in metallurgical engineering at the same time as H. Dean and would have a similar chance. James Bowry, who enlisted later is a School of Mines graduate, and should also be available.
Northern Miner Tuesday February 29, 1916
Sapper Harry Dean, late of the Charters Towers School of Mines and son of Mr A. Dean P.M. Townsville has received instructions to proceed to the School of Instruction for officers near Duntroon whence he will be transferred into the Miners Battalion. His brother Mr Fred Dean entered Enoggera camp on Thursday last.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Thursday August 31, 1916
Mr A. Dean has received a cable from his son, Mr H.M. Dean, lately of the School of Mines, ChartersTowers, but who is now on active service, attached to the Mining Corps. Mr Dean is at present staying with friends in Surrey, prior leaving for the Continent. Mr Fred E. Dean lately with Messrs Connolly and Suthers, who has also joined the Australian Forces, expects to leave Australia shortly.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Tuesday May 1, 1917
Mr W.A. Dean has received a cable from his brother, Sergeant Harry M. Dean, of the 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, from London, stating that he is progressing splendidly. Sergt Dean was wounded in both legs in France. He is a past pupil of the Charters Towers School of Mines, and sat for his final examination, in which he was successful, just before volunteering. The cable also states that Private Fred E. Dean, another brother who is well-known in Townsville, where he served his articles with Messrs Connolly and Suthers, is at present at Farningham, in the south of England, convalescing from trench fever. Both soldiers are the sons of Mr W. Dean recently P.M. at Townsville but now of Brisbane.
Townsville Daily Bulletin Tuesday February 5, 1918
Mr A. Dean, Police Magistrate has been officially advised that his son Alfred E. Dean better known as “Fred” was killed in action on January 11. Mr “Fred” Dean was a solicitor. He was well known in Ayr, Townsville and ChartersTowers. He left the firm of Messrs Marsland and Marsland, ChartersTowers to enlist in February 1916. His brother Harry M. Dean formerly of Mt Morgan and of the School of Mines, ChartersTowers is returning to Australia with the “W” list of wounded soldiers expected shortly. At latest advices he had been successfully fitted with an artificial leg.
LETTERS HOME
Townsville Evening Star Thu May 17, 1917
WITH THE AUSTRALIAN FORCES
SOLDIERS LETTER
Extracts from a letter from Fred Dean, Sergeant, A. Coy, 25th Battalion under dates 13/2/1917
France:-
When I last wrote to you I was on guard at a camp while on our way up the line. The following day we moved on. We moved away at 2.30 pm and moved on about four miles and waited for dark. When it got dark we moved on again across the snow and shell holes to our new position, about three miles behind the firing line. Arrived there about 3.30 pm and at once occupied our dugouts.
Next Day:
We moved on again yesterday, and so this had to stand over. Last night some more mail arrived, so from now on I am right on the pig’s back and will get all my letters at least. In parcels I am not so fortunate. If a man has not received his battalion or if he is away sick or from any other causes, or killed, any parcels that are coming to him are opened and distributed among his platoon, thus I know Cousin Wynnie has sent me a number of parcels, and as they have not reached me I know they have been “backsheeshed”. As I write the Q.M. has handed me four casualty parcels for me to distribute among my platoon, and so the war goes on.
We remained four days at the dugouts, resting and waiting until it was our turn to turn in again. A and B. boys were to go in for the first 48 hours and then were to be relieved by the C. and E. boys, after which the battalion was to come back several miles for several days before going in again. The night after arriving at the dugouts I had to go up to the trenches with Mr Berry and three others to inspect the position we were to take over. It was a bright moonlight night and we showed well on the snow, so much so that Fritz had several goes at us with his machine guns and snipers, but beyond ploughing up the snow he did not damage. This was my first trip under fire and I ducked involuntarily several times when the big shells fell around us. Apart from the inclination to duck I had no other feeling than curiosity. We spent half an hour up there and came back. The duck boards were very slippery coming back, and I more than once fell. We got to our bivvies about 11 pm. Just as Fritz opened up a heavy bombardment on our position. We remained there two days more and on the fifth I received papers from Home and a letter. We moved out of our position about 6.30 after being issued with thigh gum boots. Just as we were falling in I was handed the mail for my platoon and amongst them were 20 odd for me and a parcel. I … … …(obliterated) you can receive and despatch mail except when actually in comes up and goes back by the ration vans. Well, we moved off at 6.30 across the duck boards in single file, slipping and sliding where the snow had been tramped hard. In addition to my 120 rounds of ammunition and gas and steel helmets, I was carrying two sandbags with rations, wire cutters and parcel in them, and I can tell you those three miles were long ones. To get to the position was to find we had to cross over 200 yards or more of open country in the face of Fritz and his machine guns. However, buy a streak of luck, we got in without any of my small party being hit, especially as it was full moon. Mr Berry, who was holding a small post on the left, was not so lucky, as he lost four men going in.