John Basten

Hi please excuse me but this is my first time on the site from Perth Western Australia

My ancestor is John Basten from HMS Euphrates and I noticed recently his medal was sold on DNW lot 292 on 26/9/2018.
Its a bit of a sad story but all his children were separated from their sister ,my grandmothe,r on the first day of the london blitz

If the buyer is on this site I would very much like to contact him and I can be emailed through the moderator
Ian Stratton

Ian,

Welcome to the forum.  I am not the buyer of John Basten’s South Africa medal, but I do have some information about his military career.  I expect to have a copy of his service record by next week.  What was the name of your grandmother?  John married a widow who already had a daughter, and afterwards had 2 more daughters and 1 son with John.

Tom

Petty Officer Tom wrote:

Ian,

Welcome to the forum.  I am not the buyer of John Basten’s South Africa medal, but I do have some information about his military career.  I expect to have a copy of his service record by next week.  What was the name of your grandmother?  John married a widow who already had a daughter, and afterwards had 2 more daughters and 1 son with John.

Tom

Hi Tom
Thanks for your prompt response.
Am I allowed to supply my email address to you?
I am not sure how much info I can put on this forum without upsetting more focused members.
John Basten married widow Elizabeth Ann Birch (nee Pope a navy family & the Widow of Christopher Birch probably navy) who already had 3 daughters Ann Livinia, Emily Maria, and Lillian.The Basten children were Daisy Clarice Basten ( our grandmother  who emigrated alone to West Australia about 1905) , Harold George Basten (Staff Sergeant Major,Royal Army Service corp and served in France WW1) and Fanny Lela. Their home area was at East Stonehouse Devon was wiped courtesy Herr H in WW2 and Harolds Store Business at 105 Loampit Vale Lewisham received the same treatment again by Herr H apparently on first day of the blitz and nothing was heard from the family from that point.
We were always told they all died in the War although it turns out Harold at least survived and died about 1972 according to UK internet records .I have photos of them all including John Basten. Even if no one has additional info perhaps we can track back to see who who originally sold the medal as they maybe surving family
Thanks so much for your interest
Regards

Ian,

I would not post your email address here on the message board.  You can add it to your profile where other members will be able to find it when they want to contact you.

I have sent you a PM.

Tom