Service Number: 296
Unit: 1st Light Horse Regiment, B Squadron
Enlistment: 22/8/14
Embarkment: 20/10/14
Date of Death: 7/8/15
Location of Death: Pope’s Hill
His Story
Arthur Stewart Dean was just 22 years old when he enlisted for World War One. Born in Ryde in 1892, Arthur came from a large orchardist family, were he was the youngest of 9 children.Two of his brothers also served in the war.
Arthur joined the 1st Light Horse Regiment, B Squadron, and sailed aboard the Star of Victoria from Sydney in October 1914. They in Egypt to begin their training, where Dean was stationed at Ma’adi, a wealthy suburb in Cairo.
In a letter home, published in The Cumberland Argus, Arthur painted a vivid picture of his life abroad:
“We are treated like toffs by the people of Ma’adi… They erected a large tent for the troops to write in, supply writing materials free, books, magazines… They arrange concerts weekly and give us a good time.”
(Cumberland Argus, 3 February 1915)
He spoke warmly of the locals, the grandeur of Cairo, the pyramids, and his pride in his horse “in tip-top condition.” Like many in the Light Horse Regiment, Arthur expected to go to Europe, but plans changed.
At 6 AM on the 12 May 1915, the 1st Light Horse Regiment landed at Anzac Cove, about 200 yards south of Fisherman’s Hut, near the front lines. The unit diary records:
“Disembarked under rifle fire… moved straight up into the line at Pope’s Hill.” (Ist Light Horse Regiment, Unit Diary)
From their very first night, the regiment was thrown into the brutal conditions of trench warfare. Artillery shelling, sniper fire, and close combat defined daily life. The men were exhausted, constantly digging trenches, reinforcing posts, and holding a perilously thin line.
Arthur was stationed at Pope’s Hill, a narrow spur exposed to relentless fire. The diary notes the “incessant sniping” and how men had to move at night, using periscopes and crawling between trenches to survive. Despite it all, Dean held his position, sharing in the routine and terror with his mates.
On 7 August 1915, as a diversion to support the Suvla Bay landings, the 1st Light Horse Regiment launched an assault on the Turkish trenches known as “the Chessboard.” Arthur’s squadren, approached the trenchs at 4:30 a.m., were they were ordered to use bayonets only.
“The storming party reached the third line of trenches and held on for two hours, but the enemy counter-attacked in great force… The Regiment suffered its largest losses in a single day.”
(Parramatta History & Heritage)
Arthur Dean was killed that morning.
Accounts vary, but most agree he was working a machine gun or standing behind the trenches when a bullet struck him, either to the head, neck, or groin. One soldier recalled:
“Dean was working a machine gun on Pope’s Hill when a bullet came through the loophole of the gun pit and killed him instantaneously.”
(Corporal A. Smith)
Others suggest he died later of a thigh wound. Arthur was one of 147 casualties the 1st Light Horse Regiment suffered that day.
Arthur was buried in Shrapnel Valley, and a memorial cross was raised in his honour. He is remembered on the North Ryde School of Arts Honour Roll, Ryde Public School, and several local memorials.
“Trooper Dean was a fine young man — well-known, active in politics, sport, and local affairs. His death was keenly felt in the community.”
(Sydney Morning Herald, 1 September 1915)
Arthur Stewart Dean’s journey from North Ryde to Gallipoli tells the story of a young man who lived with hope, bravery, and honour and who gave his life for his Ryde community and Australia as a whole.