Basil Besemeres (SN 4232/Lt.) born in Ballarat, was a 19 year old chemist when he enlisted at Ballarat on July 26th 1915. He embarked aboard the Wiltshire on March 7th 1916 and sailed to England. In May 1917 he crossed to France to serve with the 21st then 24th Infantry Battalions. In August 1917 he was commissioned to the rank of lieutenant. In October 1917 and in May 1918 he was wounded in action, suffering wounds to his head and hand, but he made it safely to the war’s end. Before returning home he was granted leave to undertake a three-month course in pharmaceutical chemistry. He returned to Australia aboard the Valencia, disembarked at Melbourne on September 11th 1919 and his appointment was terminated on November 3rd. he also enlisted to serve during WW2 with service number NX151327

His cousin Howard also served in the AIF and is honoured with a tree in the Avenue.