Sunderland hero died while trying to save the lives of British forces at Dunkirk
‘He was born in Sunderland in 1915 and was killed in action in 1940’
A Wearside man died as he tried to help British forces waiting to be evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk.
Sunderland-born Captain John Browning Deas was only 25 years old when he was killed in action in May 1940.
Capt Browning had been a member of the East Yorkshire Regiment for 3 years and was a company commander when tragedy struck.
His story is the latest tribute to heroes who gave their lives for their country which has been prepared by historian Keith Gregson.
Keith said: “He was born in Sunderland in 1915 and was killed in action in 1940. He played prop for the club during the mid-1930s and was also to be found on the tennis courts during summer. He came from a well-known Sunderland family.
“His father was director of museums and libraries and his brother Max later became a film and television personality. Max had a small role in the cult Michael Caine version of Get Carter.
“John attended Tonstall School and St Peter’s York and the family lived in Holmlands Park close to the club. While at school he was a member of the OTC and joined the East Yorkshire Regiment in 1937.
“He was a company commander by May 1940 when he was killed while organising the withdrawal to the beaches of Dunkirk. He is buried in the nearby Marquise Community Cemetery. During his early army career, he also served in the Durham Light Infantry for a short while.”
Our thanks go to Keith for his series of articles and the Sunderland Echo will pay tribute to another hero in the countdown to Remembrance Day tomorrow.
In case you missed them, his series has also included;
Joseph Robert Kayll whose Forces achievements were nothing short of remarkable.
Harold Ashton Milburn who had not even reached his 20th birthday when he killed in 1942.