World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born at Auckland, New Zealand, he served as a Corporal in the New Zealand Signal Corps, British Army. At Gallipoli, Turkey, on August 7, 1915, after the New Zealand Brigade had attacked and established itself on the ridge, Corporal Bassett, started laying a telephone line from there old position to the new one on Chunuk Bair. In full daylight and under continuous fire, he succeeded in laying a telephone line. He also worked in the connection with the repair of telephone lines by day and night under heavy fire. For most prestigious gallantry, he was the first New Zealander to be awarded the Victoria Cross in World War I. During World War II, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in command of the Northern Military District Signals. He died at the age of 91 in Stanley Bay, Auckland, New Zealand.
World War I Victoria Cross Recipient. Born at Auckland, New Zealand, he served as a Corporal in the New Zealand Signal Corps, British Army. At Gallipoli, Turkey, on August 7, 1915, after the New Zealand Brigade had attacked and established itself on the ridge, Corporal Bassett, started laying a telephone line from there old position to the new one on Chunuk Bair. In full daylight and under continuous fire, he succeeded in laying a telephone line. He also worked in the connection with the repair of telephone lines by day and night under heavy fire. For most prestigious gallantry, he was the first New Zealander to be awarded the Victoria Cross in World War I. During World War II, he served as a Lieutenant Colonel in command of the Northern Military District Signals. He died at the age of 91 in Stanley Bay, Auckland, New Zealand.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Inscription
C.R.G. Bassett
V.C., E.D.
4/515 Lieut. Colonel
Div. Sig. Coy.
1914-18 & 1939-45
Died 9.1.1983 aged 91 yrs
Ruth Bassett
Died 10.11.1989 aged 90 yrs.
Family Members
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