Alfred Sydney Burvett was born at Benalla, Victoria and was educated at the state school in Carlton, Victoria. He worked as a silversmith and served in the cadets and citizens forces prior to the outbreak of the First World War. Burvett enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) on 7 March 1915, and was part of the surplus of troops at Broadmeadows Camp used to raise the 24th Infantry Battalion. His younger brother, Herbert Henry Burvett, also served with the AIF in the 6th Infantry Battalion.

Burvett embarked from Melbourne on 10 May 1915 aboard the transport ship HMAT Euripides and trained in Egypt between July and August. During this time, his brother died of wounds received on 7 August at Lone Pine. Burvett and the 24th Infantry Battalion were sent to Gallipoli in September 1915, mostly serving in the Lone Pine area.

In early 1916 Burvett proceeded to France, receiving two swift promotions by July; from corporal to acting sergeant. The 24th Battalion moved to the Pozières area and on 24 August 1916 and was involved in heavy fighting at Pozières. Alfred Burvett was killed in action during this time and he is buried at Courcelette British Cemetery, France.