Dixie Dean

1543 HOURS 6-6-44 KILLED IN ACTION: 2623256 TPR DEAN, RONALD CYRIL (PVT.) Tweeted from 1944 for D-Day: As It Happens #dday7

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

SITREP: 1543 HOURS 6-6-44 KILLED IN ACTION: 2623256 TPR DEAN, Ronald Cyril (Pvt.) #dday7

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Go around the bend. A Russian Maxim machine gun opens up. Many are hit.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

The muzzle end of a rifle just appeared at a window. Returned fire and the rifle has fallen out. Unsure if the man is hit.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Approaching a wall where the road veers slightly to the right. On the left is the gable end of a house and in the apex is a window.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Formed up and proceeding up the hill. #dday7

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Dumping bikes and mortar bombs just below Amfreville

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Continuing on bikes along the Sallenelles Road.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

One of the lads said 'I'm gonna have one of these' but after a closer look it's clear they are booby-trapped.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

In front of a small row of houses with front gardens, two German motorbikes are lying in the hedge. #dday7

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

At the fork - taking the left road towards Amfreville.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

An officer just walked out and shot the burning man. It was all that could be done.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

A sergeant of the 7th Parachute Regiment has been hit by something, igniting a phosphorous grenade in his pocket - he's burning!

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

ORDERS: Go to Amfreville and help the 12th Battalion, which is in difficulty

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Specific orders from Lord Lovat.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

The majority of 3 Commando is to be diverted to Ranville.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Crossed the River Orne Bridge and have stopped just beyond it.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Jumped on bikes and peddling over the bridge

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

About 75 yards from the bridge and it's like a beehive. There are rounds hitting it from all sides.

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Get down beside a little bank - this would be fine if fire was coming from the left, but it's coming from the right!

[Dixie Dean @dday7dixie]

Scotty Scott and Ossie Osbourne are going ahead, making their way down the road like the Tour de France!