born in orbost, victoria, australia on 2 march 1909, bazeley attended the school of veterinary science at the university of sydney, graduating in 1938. during his course of study, he undertook employment at australia's commonwealth serum laboratories during vacation periods. subsequently, he joined csl on a full-time basis in 1939. val bazeley joined the australian army militia in june 1939, and began full-time military service in the australian imperial force on 23 may 1941.