In Memorium – G/C BFN Rachinger DFC AFC RAAF

It is with great sadness that I advise of the death of Group Captain BFN ‘Bas’ Rachinger DFC AFC RAAF. ‘Bas’ died at home in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia following a prolonged illness.

He joined the RAAF in 1941 and after elementary training at an EFTS in Tasmania continued his flying training in Canada, where he met his future RCAF WAAF wife, Kaye. Graduating and earning his wings he was sent to the UK where he wanted to be a single engine fighter pilot, but due to the long waiting list, elected to go to fighter reconnaissance instead. So he was sent to 41OTU where he met and fell in love with the second love of his life, the North American Mustang – Allison engined versions! Along with two other RAAF personnel he was posted to No.268 Sqdn RAF then at Odiham on the Mustang Mk.IA. He flew his first operational sortie with the Squadron in October 1943, a weather and shipping reconnaissance along the French coast. He flew a full tour of operations with No.268 Sqdn from September 1943 until October 1944, during which time he completed many difficult low level tactical reconanissance sorties. In one instance his Mustang was hit by 88mm flak in the wing root, deafening Bas and causing so much damage to the aircraft the aircraft was immediately struck off charge after landing safely, if not a little shakily. He conducted sorties against V1 sites, invasion beaches, German troop concentrations and Luftwaffe airfields, all usually at close to zero feet. He flew two sorties on D-Day, directing naval gunfire onto the invasion beaches in the pre-dawn light. He flew numerous sorties over the Falaise Gap and German retreat across France. All the stock in trade of the Tac/R pilot. He was to the best information available, the first Allied pilot to land at St Omer since 1940, and was one of the few to fly the Typhoon FR.1b, the fighter reconnaissance version of the Typhoon. Completing his operational tour, he was promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and was awarded the DFC. He then went on as instructor at 41OTU and as a trainee and instructor at CGS. He was repatriated to Australia in mid 1945 and went on to a career with the post war RAAF. He was involved with the introduction of the Canberra bomber to RAAF service, and flew that type with No.2 Sqnd RAAF, No.6 Sqdn RAAF and set up the Canberra Operational Conversion Unit for the RAAF. During this time he earned his AFC. Retiring from the RAAF, he continued an active life. He had two sons with his wife Kaye, both of whom took up flying as their profession.

I had the extreme pleasure to become acquainted with Bas during my research into the history of No.268 Squadron RAF. He was the first Squadron member I made direct contact with and was so very helpful in providing me access to all his log books, photographs and personal diaries from his time serving in WW2. We also had a personal connection as he joined 268 with my great uncle, my connection to 268, and was a pall bearer at my great-uncles funeral in 1943. He is remembered by many who came in contact with him as being a true gentleman, with great interest and compassion for others.

So the last of the Australians who served with No.268 Squadron RAF more than 60 years ago is gone.

God bless and God speed Bas.

Colin Ford
Canberra
Australia