The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 4th Regiment, South African Infantry

Six: Sergeant F. Bassett, 4th Regiment, South African Infantry, later South African Artillery, who was wounded in both World Wars and was Mentioned in Despatches

1914-15 Star (Pte. F. Bassett 6th Infantry); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Pte. F. Bassett. 4th S.A.I.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; War Medal 1939-45, with copy M.I.D. oak leaf, these all officially impressed ‘13370 F. Bassett.’, traces of adhesive to reverse of all, suspension slack on BWM with polishing and wear throughout, therefore fine and better (6) £100-£140

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 4th Regiment, South African Infantry.

View
Collection

M.I.D. London Gazette 13 January 1944:
‘In recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East.’

Fred Bassett was born in Cape Town on 3 February 1898, and attested for the 4th South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 16 August 1915, stating 2 months’ previous service in German South West Africa with the Cape Town Highlanders. Disembarked at Rouen 12 July 1916, he survived the Battle of the Somme but was admitted to the 1st South African Field Ambulance on 19 June 1917 suffering from a leg wound. Discharged to duty a little over a week later, he was gassed on 24 January 1918 following a barrage of German shellfire. He survived the war and was later discharged at Maitland on 22 July 1919.

Volunteering his services at the outbreak of the Second World War, Bassett joined the Cape Field Artillery at Cape Town on 12 December 1939. Transferred to “B” Battery, 1st Field Regiment, South African Artillery, he disembarked at Suez per Dunera 17 August 1941, and was reported as missing in June 1942; returned to Allied lines, his papers record ‘burns right arm and face’ 26 October 1942 and admittance to hospital in the Middle East. Much of the remainder of the war is spent in various hospitals in North Africa and back home in Cape Town and Potchefstroom.

Sold with copied service records for both wars, the latter confirming Second War entitlement and M.I.D. for the period October 1942 to February 1943, and noting additional eligibility for the Africa Service Medal.