People Australia

George Roy McGregor Dey, n.d. photographer unknown

from Bank of NSW Roll of Honour

GEORGE ROY McGREGOR DEY was born at Winnininnie Station, North-east South Australia, on 8th January, 1891, the son of Mr. A. McGregor Dey and Mrs. H. E. Dey. He was educated at Largs Bay School, and St. Peter’s College, Adelaide.

Joining the Bank’s staff at Adelaide on 20th July, 1910, George Dey was sent to Kapunda in April, 1913, as assistant, and remained there until he enlisted on 15th June, 1915.

While at Mitcham Camp he passed the examination for sergeant in August, and qualified for a commission in October, being appointed second-lieutenant on 15th December, 1915. He was instructor in musketry during the early part of 1916, and left Australia with the 15th Reinforcements of the 10th Battalion, A.I.F., in March, 1916.

George Dey spent six weeks in Egypt and then went to France. He was engaged in the Battle of Pozieres and in the attack on Mouquet Farm in August. During the latter battle, although Lieutenant Dey had not been well, and was advised by the medical officer not to go out, he insisted on taking his place and went over the top with his men, falling riddled by bullets a few yards from the trenches. His body was never recovered, and it is believed that he had been placed in a shell-hole and treated by the A.M.C., but while there was struck by a bomb and killed.