Killed in action aboard the Fairey Battle Mk.I L5256 in a mid air collision with Fairey Battle L5255, four miles North-North-West of Penrhos, Caernavonshire. All six crew (three in each aircraft) were killed. Deacon's fellow crewmembers were:
AC.1 Thomas Douglas King (Service Number 635974, aged 18) killed
AC.2 Frederick Shepherd (Service Number 635980, aged 21) killed