Bastian was a decorated Naval Officer during World War I. In 1939, he was made president of the Reich Military Court. While serving in this position, Bastian oversaw the death penalties of multiple conscientious objectors within the Wehrmacht. He was briefly represented by Paul von Hase while ill in 1943. The aging Bastian retired in 1944.
Bastian, Max. Badhoevedorp, Netherlands: Traces of War.
Dermot, Bradey (1988). Deutschlands Admirale 1849–1945. Die militärischen Werdegänge der See-, Ingenieur-, Sanitäts-, Waffen- und Verwaltungsoffiziere im Admiralsrang..