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- Press, 17 July 1942, New Zealand
Major Brian Bassett
Reported Killed in Action
Advice has been received that Major Brian Irvin Bassett has been killed in action. He enlisted at the outbreak of war and sailed with the 2nd Echelon as intelligence officer.
Major Bassett, the youngest son of Mr. S.K. Bassett, of Sumner, was educated at the Cathedral Grammar School and Christ?s College (1921-22). He obtained his degree of laws in 1938, and continued to practice law with the firm of Weston, War, and Lascelles. Before leaving New Zealand he served for some time with the territorial force.
While in England, Major Bassett had the experience of being under shellfire from France. He broadcast the Christmas message of the 2nd Echelon. He fought with distinction through the fighting in Greece, and at the end of the campaign was reported missing. It was found later that he had chosen to remain to organize the evacuation of stragglers from Raphina beach; and it was his lucky torch signal that enabled a destroyer to withdraw hundreds of late arrivals at the beach.
On his arrival in Crete he was appointed brigade-major of Lieutenant-Colonel H.K. Kippenberger?s Composite Brigade, and, as such, he served with gallantry in the bitter fighting at Maleme and Galatos. He was recommended for the Military Cross. He was promoted to captain when he reached Egypt and was selected by Brigadier L.M. Inglis as brigade-major of the 4th Brigade.
Major Bassett was mentioned in dispatches for his work in the intense and exhausting fighting in Libya last year. For four months this year he attended a special staff course at Haifa, and later resumed his appointment with Brigadier Inglis. He also took part in the recent fighting that led up to the halting of Marshal Rommel at Alamein. He was 30 years of age.
Major Bassett in 1936 married Miss Joyce Hughes, of Christchurch.
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Bassett Family Association Database
1911 - 1942 (30 years)