Lt W. Bassett, AFC

Does anyone know which Australian Flying Corps Squadron Walter Eric Bassett was in? and which he was in when he earned the Military Cross? He doesnt appear to be in 2,3 or 4, so by process of elimination 1 Sqn appears a good bet. The Nominal Roll has no further information than AFC and disch. 28 Jan 1918.



cam

Hmm. Apart from AWM 93 12/11/3998;
* * * * * * * * * * * * *" * *43 * C9 and A55;
* * * * * * * * * * * *NAA K279 two of;

* * * * * * * * * * * * " * * *MP 287/2;
* * * * * * * * * * * * *" * * * B2455;
* * * * * * * * * * * * *" * * * * A463 with a choice of Walter Bassetts,
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * and Who's Who, I have no leads. No mention of Squadron.
No mention in Cutlack index.
Also in R A AM,( nla.gov.au/ raam. I think.) Under Bassett, creator, where he is called Sir! This is 1928-44 period. Might be a dossier giving full details.

[Frank_Olynyk]

I have a Lt Walter E Bassett with one victory (an Albatros? two seater OOC, N of Vitry at 1130) with 40 Squadron, on May 28, 1917. I would assume this is the same person you are interested in.

Frank.

Frank,

>May 28, 1917. I would assume this is the same
>person you are interested in.

The plot thickens, didnt think to look at the AFC members attached to the RFC in 1917, Bassett was one of those in late 1917, Gordon researched the AFC members that were attached, in his list was,

"(E). Proceeded overseas after the 30th April 1917, and have since become casualties as shown.

Lieut. W.E.Bassett. Martinsyde. Wounded. 1.June.17."

That date doesnt appear in TSTB, so maybe the wounding was from a crash or accident. 27 Squadron was the only RFC squadron on the Western Front at the time with Martinsydes I think. ...... still not definite where he was.


cam

The AWM has him as an "ENG" for the unit on his Military Cross entry. His MC appeared in the London Gazette on 25 November 1916 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 April 1917. The only AFC squadron in mid 1916 was 1 Sqn. So maybe his MC wasnt earned while he was in the AFC.


cam

Cam

A search on the Australian Honours website www.itsanhonour.gov.au confirms Bassett's MC was won with the Engineers.

He also was awarded The Order of the British Empire - Knight Commander (Civil) for Public service & engineering 13 June 1959.

A life of service indeed.

[Russell]

Frank is correct.

Walter Bassett of 40 sqdn is an Australian, and later became Sir Walter, and I gather was an engineer of some note. He was WIA early June 1917. I have seen a biog of him, try an Australian Who's Who or the Austn dictionary of biog.

Russell

Russell,

>Frank is correct.

Thanks.



cam