In 1918 when he died, Alfred was a Private in the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment). Alfred's father received a letter from the Reverend at 59th CCS, stating that Alfred was admitted to the CCS on 13th November 1918 with shoulder and chest wounds. Alfred must have been wounded before the Armistice two days prior, but only reached the CCS after the end of the war, where he sadly died, being awarded the British and Victory medals.

Alfred's military records show that he joined the army when he was 20 years and 5 months old, at Conisbrough on the 10th December 1915. However, his records appear to suggest that he wasnt drafted until April 1918, which suggests that he was part of the Derby scheme, whereby men attested to join the Army 'if and when' they were required, but were free to continue their lives until such time as they were called up. This is somewhat of a hybrid between the Kitchener's Army, and conscription, where men were required to join the forces whether they wanted to or not. 

Alfred was 5'5 and a quarter inches tall, and had a chest measurement of 35", whilst his 'physical development' is classed as 'Moderate'. He had Blue eyes, fair hair, and a sallow complexion. He is recorded as living at 59 Loversall STreet, Denaby, and he was single, living with his parents. Alfred was the junior; his father was also named Alfred. Alfred Snr received his son's medals in around 1921. 

Alfred's death record shows that his mother was already dead at the time of his own death, but that he had a brother, John  Thomas who was his elder by 19 years, and three sisters, all the elder, the eldest being 19 years older than Alfred himself and lived quite literally next door to his father in Denaby, at no. 40 Loversall Street. 

Prior to his call up to the army, Alfred worked as a Pony Driver at a local colliery.