Cyril Bassett

The Unyielding Spirit of Cyril Bassett: A Tale of Valor and Humility

Imagine a soldier whose actions in battle were so extraordinary that they earned him the highest honor a British Empire soldier could receive—the Victoria Cross (VC). This is the story of Cyril Royston Guyton Bassett, a man who fought not just for his country but also to prove his own worth. Born on January 3, 1892, in Auckland, New Zealand, Cyril’s journey from a young clerk to a decorated soldier and beyond is nothing short of remarkable.

Early Life: A Soldier’s Calling

Was Cyril Bassett destined for greatness? Born into a family named Bassett, Cyril attended Auckland Grammar School and Technical College. His early life was marked by the quiet determination that would later define his military career. In 1909, he joined the Territorial Force, setting the stage for his future exploits.

The Gallipoli Campaign: A Test of Valor

When World War I broke out, Cyril was among those who answered the call to serve. He embarked with the main body of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) in October 1914 for the Middle East. Landing at ANZAC Cove on April 25, 1915, he quickly found himself in the thick of battle.

During the Battle of Chunuk Bair, Cyril laid down and maintained telephone lines under heavy fire. His actions were so extraordinary that they led to his award of the VC. The citation read: ‘No. 4/515 Corporal Cyril Royston Guyton Bassett, New Zealand Divisional Signal Company. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the Chunuk Bair ridge in the Gallipoli Peninsula on 7th August, 1915.’

Tragically, Cyril was evacuated from Gallipoli due to poor health a few days later. He spent several months recuperating at a hospital in Leicester and was advised of his VC award posthumously in December 1915.

The Western Front: A Second Chapter

After recovering, Cyril returned to the front lines on the Western Front in France as part of the New Zealand Division. In June 1916, he rejoined his unit and participated in the Battle of the Somme later that year. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1917.

Despite being wounded twice—once in October 1917 and again during the German spring offensive in March 1918—the war eventually came to an end, and Cyril returned to New Zealand with his unit demobilizing. He was formally discharged from the NZEF in 1919.

A Return to Civilian Life

After the war, Cyril resumed his banking career, managing branches of the National Bank in Auckland and later in Paeroa. His military service did not end there; he rejoined the Territorial Force shortly after discharge but was placed on the retired list of officers in 1929.

During World War II, Cyril was called up for the National Military Reserve as a result of the outbreak of hostilities. He served as a captain in the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals (RNZSigs) and promoted to major in February 1942. His active war service ended in December 1943.

After retiring from military service, Cyril returned to his banking profession but remained active in the community of Devonport as a justice of the peace. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal in 1953 and died on January 9, 1983, at the age of 91.

Legacy: A Humble Hero

Cyril Bassett’s VC is displayed at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, a testament to his bravery. He was the first soldier of the NZEF to receive the VC and the only one to do so for actions during the Gallipoli Campaign. King George V presented him with the award at an investiture held at Buckingham Palace on 3 February 1916.

Reflecting on his actions, Cyril once said, ‘I reckon there must be some guardian angel looking after me, especially as one man was shot dead in front of me and another wounded just behind.’ Despite the accolades, he remained humble about receiving the only New Zealand VC during the Gallipoli Campaign.

As we remember Cyril Bassett, let us honor not just his bravery but also his humility. His story is a reminder that true heroism often goes unnoticed until it is too late to be forgotten.