1. Alfred Bessell-Browne was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on 3 September 1877, the son of an insurance inspector.
23 Facts About Alfred Bessell-Browne
1. 2.
The family immigrated to New South Wales where Bessell-Browne attended Camden Grammar.
3.
Alfred Bessell-Browne enlisted in the Perth Artillery Volunteers held the rank of sergeant in 1899 when he volunteered for South Africa, enlisting in the 1st Western Australian Contingent as a private.
4.
Alfred Bessell-Browne's unit reached Cape Town in November 1899 and took part in the Kimberley Relief Force and operations at Colesberg, Hoot Neck, Zand River, Klipps River and many other actions.
5.
Alfred Bessell-Browne was quickly promoted through the non commissioned ranks and was commissioned as a lieutenant on 21 April 1900.
6.
Alfred Bessell-Browne returned to Australia in March 1901 and immediately joined the 5th Western Australian Contingent as a lieutenant, serving as adjutant and then second in command.
7.
Alfred Bessell-Browne was promoted to captain in June 1901 and in July was mentioned in despatches and awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
8.
Alfred Bessell-Browne returned to Australia in May 1902 and rejoined the 1st Western Australian Field Battery with the rank of lieutenant and honorary captain.
9.
Alfred Bessell-Browne was promoted to captain in 1908 and the following year took the Diploma of Military Science course at the University of Sydney.
10.
Alfred Bessell-Browne was promoted to major on 28 August 1911, and took command of his battery, now known as the 37th Field Battery.
11.
On 28 August 1914, Alfred Bessell-Browne was appointed to the Australian Imperial Force with the rank of major and given command of the 8th Field Artillery Battery.
12.
Alfred Bessell-Browne called for volunteers from his battery, the whole parade stepped forward.
13.
Alfred Bessell-Browne arrived at Anzac Cove on 1 May 1915, his unit was restricted by a lack of good gun positions.
14.
On 2 August 1915, Alfred Bessell-Browne took over as commander of the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade.
15.
Alfred Bessell-Browne was promoted to temporary lieutenant colonel on 15 October 1915, a promotion made permanent on 1 January 1916.
16.
Alfred Bessell-Browne was evacuated to Egypt sick on 12 January 1916.
17.
Alfred Bessell-Browne rejoined the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade in Egypt on 19 February 1916.
18.
Alfred Bessell-Browne's brigade participated in the attack on Pozieres, which saw first use of a creeping barrage by Australian troops.
19.
On 18 January 1917, Alfred Bessell-Browne became commander of the 5th Division Artillery.
20.
Alfred Bessell-Browne commanded the 5th Division Artillery at Bullecourt and Third Ypres, where he employed artillery to cover the flank.
21.
From 16 to 24 October 1918, Alfred Bessell-Browne commanded the US 30th Division's artillery, for which he was awarded the American Army Distinguished Service Medal.
22.
Alfred Bessell-Browne finally returned to Australia on 19 April 1919 and was demobilised in July.
23.
Alfred Bessell-Browne died on 3 August 1947 and was cremated with full military honours.