Walter Bassett

Sir Walter Eric Bassett (19 December 1892 – 8 March 1978) was an Australian engineer, soldier and academic. He studied engineering at the University of Melbourne before joining the First Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. Bassett won the Military Cross for gallantry on the Western Front before transferring to the Australian Flying Corps. Wounded in the hip on 1 June 1917 Bassett was disabled for the remainder of his life. On his return to Australia he joined the faculty at his alma mater, lecturing in mechanical engineering and aerodynamics. Bassett arranged the construction of the first wind tunnel in Australia. He later helped establish aeronautical engineering courses in Sydney and, in 1958, joined Monash University as a lecturer and member of its council. Bassett received honorary doctorates from Monash and Melbourne.

Even during his early academic career Bassett maintained a private engineering practice, providing heating and ventilation consultancy services. His systems were installed in many prestigious buildings in Victoria and elsewhere in Australia. During the Second World War he was chairman of the Australian Army's Mechanisation Board and a member of the Commonwealth Advisory Committee for Aeronautics as well as carrying out works in war factories and military hospitals. Bassett's firm was highly active in the post-war years and he was knighted in 1959. Bassett retired in 1971, but continued to work on a consultancy basis until his death.

Early life and military service Bassett was born on 19 December 1892 in Hawthorn, Victoria, to Walter Bassett, a salesman, and Caroline née Loxton. His parents were both English-born. Bassett was educated at Wesley College and the University of Melbourne, from which he received a bachelor of engineering degree in 1916.

Bassett joined the First Australian Imperial Force on 30 September 1915, for service in the First World War. He was posted to the 5th Field Company, an engineering unit. Bassett left Australia on 23 November, headed for Egypt. He was afterwards deployed to the Western Front. As a lieutenant, Bassett was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in action during the night of 4–5 August 1915 at Pozières, France.

On 19 April 1917 Bassett transferred to the Australian Flying Corps, serving with the Royal Air Force's No. 40 Squadron. He was wounded in the hip on 1 June 1917 and evacuated to England. Bassett's injury required him to use a walking stick for the remainder of his life. He was declared unfit for future service and his employment ceased on 28 January 1918. By 1971 Bassett's engineering practice employed 250 people in nine offices and had three associate companies overseas. Bassett retired in 1971 but continued to provide advice on a consultancy basis until his death.