[1] He was educated at Winchester College in England, but after the death of his father the family emigrated to Western Australia.

[2][3] During the early years of their settlement in the Vasse area the Bussell family, including Alfred, were involved in three massacres of Wardandi Noongar people.

Alfred Bussell went with the two Chapmans, soldiers from the 21st Regiment and Constable Dawson to a place called Yulijoogarup.

[5] In February 1841 Alfred was involved in the Wonnerup Massacre with his brothers after George Layman was killed by Wardandi warrior Gayware.

[6] In 1850, Bussell married Ellen Heppingstone, and the following year they moved to Broadwater in what is now West Busselton.