1908 - 1938

Arthur Besomo was "a leading amateur swimmer and surfer," wrote the SMH in its obituary. "About nine years ago Mr Besomo won the 100 yards swimming championship of New South Wales. Mr Victor Besomo, a younger brother, is also a well-known swimmer, and is honorary secretary of the Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club”.

Arthur represented the Bondi Club for over ten years. After Manly and North Narrabeen had dominated the Surf Teams or Relays, Bondi finally broke their stranglehold with the team of Arthur Besomo, Owen Griffiths, Reg Stevens and Alan Rennix in 1929. The publication Gladiators of the Surf documents Arthur Besomo as an Australian champion with his name amongst the winners in the Senior Rescue and Resuscitation 1931-32,1934-35,1935-46; the Senior Surf Team of 1928-29; the Junior Belt of 1927-28.

During the year or two prior to his death, Mr Besomo did not enjoy good health, having suffered twice from pneumonia. He died suddenly on a fishing expedition at Gibbon Point, Port Hacking. A few minutes after reaching their fishing ground, Mr Besomo complained of feeling ill and cold. He lay down on a rock, covered with a blazer and sweater, while his friends prepared tea, but during their absence of only a few minutes he died. The funeral was attended by about 100 members of the Bondi, North Bondi, and other surf clubs and many business associates and friends.

In his memory, the Bondi S.B.L.S.C. presents a shield called the A.W. Besomo Memorial Trophy, the competition being a six man team race between patrols held each season. Besemo is buried in Waverley Cemetery.

Courtesy Bondi Surf Bathers Life Saving Club. Images courtesy the State Library of New South Wales.