John Deck

Alternate name(s): 
Deek
Date of Birth: 
circa 1904
Ethnicity/Nationality: 
German
Profession: 
marine engineer
Hometown(s): 
New Westminster, British Columbia
Political affiliation: 
Not a member of the Communist Party
Affiliations to union and social groups: 
International Seamen's Union; Industrial Workers of the World
Prior military experience: 
United States Cavalry, Sergeant
Approximate date arrived in Spain: 
1936-12-05
Unit: 
Responsible of the Base at Morata de Tajuna in April 1937; Adjutant to the Chief of Staff of the 15 Brigade, spoke multiple languages; Dimitrov Battalion, requested transfer to the Abraham Lincoln Battalion, Chief Scout
Final status: 
KIA 9 July 1937 at Brunete
Other: 

There are multiple descriptions of Deck's death:

"Our casualties were heavy. John Deck, one of the finest men in the battalion who took command when Bryce Coleman was killed said tersely, 'We're going over together boys. Remember, Mackenzie-Papineau, over the top.' With a whoop he jumped over the parapet leading the attack. He was hit and yelled 'Don't mind me, keep on going, keep on going.'" (HC 18)

"Deck fell on July 9, in the attack on Mosquito Ridge. He was dashing forward at the head of the men, waving his rifle in the air, when he was hit by a bullet and died a few moments afterwards." (Book of the XV Brigade 148-50).

Sources: 

Hello Canada; Book of the XV Brigade; RGASPI Fond 545, Opis 6, Delo 546, ll. 26-27; List of Canadian Casualties in Spain MG30 E173 Vol.1 File 13; Americans and Canadians Killed in Spain Complete list to Nov. 15, 1937; Hoar, p94, p99; Momryk; Petrou; Hoff

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