Commander George Mifflin Bache
BIRTH :
George Mifflin Bache was born in Washington, D.C. , on 12 November 1840.
EDUCATION :
He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1861.
MILITARY SERVICE :
During the Civil War, he served on Jamestown, Powhatan, and Cincinnati. He was wounded during an attack on Fort Fisher (13-15 January 1865)while leading a division of sailors.
After the war, he served on Sacramento and was in command on Juniata.
He retired in 1875, at the age of 35, as a Commander.
FAMILY :
Besides Alexander, George had a brother named, Richard Meade, also a Naval Officer. They were descendants of the infamous Benjamin Franklin Bache. George was brother-in-law to David Dixon Porter and Carlile Pollack Patterson, also Naval Officers.
His daughter, Louise, sponsored the USS Bache at the launching on 7 July 1942 at Staten Island, New York
DEATH :
Commander Bache died in his hometown on 11 Fedruary 1896, at the age of 55.
MISC. INFORMATION :
Oddly enough, the ship named after him also 'died' in the month of February, and the year of both of the passings contained the same digits.
1-8-9-6 and 1-9-6-8
Apparently another ship held his name. A Coast and Geodetic Survey steamship, Bache, served in the Navy from 1917 to 1919.
Although some sources imply that the ship was named after him, it was probably actually named after his brother, ALEXANDER DALLAS BACHE . Alexander was instrumental in the Coast and Geodetic Survey area of the Navy of the time. Considering his many accomplishments, he is the most likely 'namesake' for this ship.
Sources :
The information used here came from several places, most of which are accessible through the LINKS.