| Regimental number | 370 |
| Place of birth | Port Germein, South Australia |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Blacksmith |
| Address | Port Germein, South Australia |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 24.5 |
| Height | 5' 6" |
| Weight | 124 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, H A Bessen, Tambellup, Western Australia |
| Previous military service | Member for 2 years, Tambellup Rifle Club, Western Australia, |
| Enlistment date | |
| Place of enlistment | Perth, Western Australia |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 10th Light Horse Regiment, C Squadron |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/15/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board Transport A52 Surada on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 44th Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Discharge date | |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Themistocles', 5 November 1917; discharged (medically unfit: paresis, leg and right foot), Perth, 20 June 1918. Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Place of burial | Fremantle Cemetery, Western Australia |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, BESSEN Richard Henry |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
