(L to R) General Service Medal Palestine clasp; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939–45; Efficiency Medal with Bar

Alfred enlisted into the Manchester Regiment as a Private in Ashton-under-Lyne on 19th February 1931. His occupation at the time was a ‘scholar’. He was allocated the service number of 3524953. It is not known which battalion he served with, but his Efficiency Medal indicates he served over twelve years with a battalion of the Territorial Army. He is described as having a ‘fresh’ complexion with brown eyes, fair hair and being 5 foot 7 and a half inches tall. He had a scar by his right eye.

Alfred was musical and joined the regimental band as soon as he enlisted. Bandsmen often received extensive first aid training and served as stretcher bearers during wartime.

Alfred served in a number of places including Palestine, the West Indies, Egypt and North West Europe. He spent the majority of his time in Egypt and Palestine and earned a General Service Medal with Palestine bar for service in that area from the 14th January 1938 till the 26th September 1938. He also served in the Second World War in a non-combat role earning a defence medal. He transferred to the Army Reserve in 1945 before leaving the army on the 26th May 1947. He served for a total of 16 years and 97 days.

In his Certificate of Service Book his military conduct was described as exemplary and he is described as a steady, quiet very reliable man. He is keen, willing and well recommended for employment.

His medals were donated to the collections in 2013.