Squadron Leader Robert Bass 46023 DFC AFM

**Charles Smith** · 26th December 2021, 09:25

Hi,

Looking for any information / photo of the above pilot, especially regarding the award of the AFM in 1940.

Any pointers very welcome.

Regards

Chaz

**Resmoroh** · 26th December 2021, 10:39

Chaz, Hi,
Robert William Bass
Aug 1930 (mathematically) Enlisted 590731 in Block 590001-594261 RAF Apprentices clerk issued from 01-Oct-25
7 Oct 1940 590731 Sergeant Robert William BASS, Award AFM
8 May 1941 590731 Sgt Robert William Bass, AFM, Cmd Plt Off(p) RAFVR GD (46023)
8 May 1942 Prom Fg Off.
8 May 1943 Prom Flt Lt.
4 Dec 1945 A/Sqn Ldr Robert William BASS, A.F.M. (46023), R.A.F 186 Sqn. Award DFC
1 Jan.1947 PC Robert William BASS, D.F.C., A.F.M. (46023) (and transferred to the Secretarial Br*.).
1 Jan 1951 Prom Sqn Ldr.
1 Jul 1964 Prom Wg Cdr
1 Jun 1971 Retirement Wing Commander R. W. BASS, O.B.E., D.F.C., A.F.M. (46023).

Can’t find his Birth.
* He Enlisted as an Apprentice Clerk!

HTH
Peter Davies

**cozzy711** · 26th December 2021, 11:10

Born 1st June 1916 Coalville, Leicestershire
Died 4th June 1992 Ponsanooth, Cornwall

Chris

**Charles Smith** · 27th December 2021, 09:52

Gents,

Thank you kindly.

Chaz

**HughAHalliday** · 27th December 2021, 13:28

BASS, Robert William, A/S/L, AFM (46023, Royal Air Force) - No.186 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 4 December 1945. Born 1916 at Coalville, Leistershipe. Enlisted April 1943. Commissioned May 1941. Citation from Air Ministry Bulletin 20331.

Squadron Leader Bass’ sorties have been mainly daylight attacks against heavily defended targets in the Ruhr Valley and elsewhere. On one occasion the airspeed indicator of his aircraft became unserviceable soon after the take-off; nevertheless he pressed on and successfully bombed his target. Both in the air and on the ground, this officer has set a fine example by his courage, efficiency and keenness.

**Resmoroh** · 27th December 2021, 15:31

Hugh,
Minor problem. Typo? My screen says he Enlisted "April 1943". The LG seems to indicate he was about to be Promoted Flt Lt in Apr 43.
HTH
Peter Davies

**Charles Smith** · 27th December 2021, 15:49

Gents,

Sincere thanks.

One on-line source suggests Bass joined the RAF in 1925 as an apprentice Clerk? Obviously wrong, he would have been nine !! However, I believe he was in the RAF pre-war. 46023 Bass, was awarded a AFM in 1941.

Chaz.

**Resmoroh** · 27th December 2021, 16:15

But if he Enlisted in 1930 (as his OR number would indicate!) he would have been 15 - about the right age for an RAF Apprentice Clerk?
HTH
Peter Davies