Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd
Auction 125 24-27 Nov 2020
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DSO GROUP OF SEVEN: Distinguished Service Order (GVIR type 1 with GRI); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; France and Germany Star; Defence Medal 1939-45; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. First four medals unnamed, 434095 M.G.Bache. on last three medals. Named medals impressed. Display mounted, good very fine - extremely fine.
Award of all Campaign Stars confirmed in Service File.
DSO: LG 23/3/1945, p1594; CAG 5/4/1945, p795 to 434095 Flt Lt Maurice George Bache, 467 Sqn, RAAF, presented by The Governor of South Australia at Government House, Adelaide on 3 June 1948.
Citation: This officer has completed many operational missions and has displayed high qualities of skill, courage and determination. In January 1945, Flight Lieutenant Bache piloted an aircraft in an attack on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. When nearing the target the aircraft was hit in one of the wings and in the bomb bay by shrapnel. In spite of this, Flight Lieutenant Bache went on to execute a good bombing run. Shortly afterwards the aircraft was again hit. The port inner engine caught fire and the propeller had to be feathered. The port outer engine was also damaged. One of the petrol tanks was punctured and its contents drained away. Other damage, which affected control of the aircraft, was also sustained. Height was lost rapidly and Flight Lieutenant Bache experienced the greatest difficulty in retaining control. Nevertheless he was determined, if possible, to reach the Allied lines. The damaged port engine now failed completely. Still, this resolute pilot held on. As he passed over the Rhine defences at a low altitude his aircraft came under considerable light anti-aircraft fire and was hit in many places. Nevertheless Flight Lieutenant Bache reached the Allied lines before ordering his crew to abandon aircraft. Not until they were clear, did he himself jump. He was then so low, that as he got clear of the crashing aircraft, he struck the top of a tree almost as his parachute opened. This officer displayed exemplary conduct in the face of great danger and the ultimate safety of his crew was undoubtedly due to his skill, bravery and resolution.
Maurice George Bache, electrician with Adelaide Electric Supply Company, born 08Jul1915 in Adelaide, S.Aust; educated at Unley Central School; Enl.12Oct1942 in Citizen Air Force at 3 Recruiting Centre, Brisbane, Qld, previous service as SX2692 Dvr Mech 2/5th Coy AASC, 7Div AIF May1940-Oct1942, then Discharged to join RAAF; AC2 12Oct1942, LAC 02Jan1943, F/Sgt 03Mar1943; Emb.14Apr1943 to Canada for training; Qualified as Service Pilot 03Sep1943; Commissioned 30Jul1944 as Pilot Officer; A/Flying Officer RAAF Att RAF (UK) 467 Sqn 18Oct1944; A/Flt Lt 01Jan1945; Reported missing on Air Ops 01Jan1945 Dortmund-Ems Canal piloting Lancaster PA169, family in South Aust notified, later confirmed safe 05Jan1945; to 466 Sqn 10May1945; to 11 PDRC (Personnel Despatch & Reception Centre) 29Oct1945; Disch.26Feb1946 and Appt terminated; Appt Flying Officer with RAAF Reserve 10July1950.
Award of all Campaign Stars confirmed in Service File.
DSO: LG 23/3/1945, p1594; CAG 5/4/1945, p795 to 434095 Flt Lt Maurice George Bache, 467 Sqn, RAAF, presented by The Governor of South Australia at Government House, Adelaide on 3 June 1948.
Citation: This officer has completed many operational missions and has displayed high qualities of skill, courage and determination. In January 1945, Flight Lieutenant Bache piloted an aircraft in an attack on the Dortmund-Ems Canal. When nearing the target the aircraft was hit in one of the wings and in the bomb bay by shrapnel. In spite of this, Flight Lieutenant Bache went on to execute a good bombing run. Shortly afterwards the aircraft was again hit. The port inner engine caught fire and the propeller had to be feathered. The port outer engine was also damaged. One of the petrol tanks was punctured and its contents drained away. Other damage, which affected control of the aircraft, was also sustained. Height was lost rapidly and Flight Lieutenant Bache experienced the greatest difficulty in retaining control. Nevertheless he was determined, if possible, to reach the Allied lines. The damaged port engine now failed completely. Still, this resolute pilot held on. As he passed over the Rhine defences at a low altitude his aircraft came under considerable light anti-aircraft fire and was hit in many places. Nevertheless Flight Lieutenant Bache reached the Allied lines before ordering his crew to abandon aircraft. Not until they were clear, did he himself jump. He was then so low, that as he got clear of the crashing aircraft, he struck the top of a tree almost as his parachute opened. This officer displayed exemplary conduct in the face of great danger and the ultimate safety of his crew was undoubtedly due to his skill, bravery and resolution.
Maurice George Bache, electrician with Adelaide Electric Supply Company, born 08Jul1915 in Adelaide, S.Aust; educated at Unley Central School; Enl.12Oct1942 in Citizen Air Force at 3 Recruiting Centre, Brisbane, Qld, previous service as SX2692 Dvr Mech 2/5th Coy AASC, 7Div AIF May1940-Oct1942, then Discharged to join RAAF; AC2 12Oct1942, LAC 02Jan1943, F/Sgt 03Mar1943; Emb.14Apr1943 to Canada for training; Qualified as Service Pilot 03Sep1943; Commissioned 30Jul1944 as Pilot Officer; A/Flying Officer RAAF Att RAF (UK) 467 Sqn 18Oct1944; A/Flt Lt 01Jan1945; Reported missing on Air Ops 01Jan1945 Dortmund-Ems Canal piloting Lancaster PA169, family in South Aust notified, later confirmed safe 05Jan1945; to 466 Sqn 10May1945; to 11 PDRC (Personnel Despatch & Reception Centre) 29Oct1945; Disch.26Feb1946 and Appt terminated; Appt Flying Officer with RAAF Reserve 10July1950.