Born in Ballarat, Grenville (Victoria) and a Chemist by trade, Basil Besemeres was 19 years and single when enlisted on the 25th of July 1915 in the 24th Battalion, 10th Reinforcement, Australian Imperial Force, with the rank of PACT (SGT MAJ) Sergeant Major, Number 4232. His Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 'Wiltshire' on the 7th of March 1916. Promoted Sergeant on the 17th of February 1916 to 10th of April 1916 then promoted ACSM (Acting Company Sergeant Major) then reverts to Private from the 11th of April 1916 on joining 6th training Battalion and later promoted to be EDP (Emergency Defence Plan) CSM (Temporary): Company Sergeant-Major on the 11th of April 1916. 21st Battalion T/RSM (Regiment Sergeant Major) on 17th of October 1916. Promoted Lieutenant on the 27th of June 1917. Admitted to Fargo Military Hospital on the 16th of December 1916 for Cerebrospinal meningitis severe 2nd Lieutenant admitted to Hospital suffering from gunshot wound right flank mild on the 5th of October 1917. On the 28th May 1918 wounded 2nd occasion, suffering from gunshot wound head, mild. On the 26th of June 1918 on command to (RTO) Railway Traffic Officer. His appointment was terminated on the 3rd of November 1919. Tree No.1797