| As a young man Alfred's ambition was to be a journalist and while living at home he was the local correspondant for the Advertiser. This had not yet become a full time profession as he additionally worked locally for Messrs. Farrans Estate Office and he later moved to London where he took up a position with a firm of Estate Agents. Whilst in London he became engaged, unfortunately nothing is known of the young lady and sadly Alfred died before there was a wedding. |
| In July 1940
Alf joined up and entered training with the RAF, like all
Bomber Command Aircrew he was a volunteer. He trained as
both a Wireless Operator and Air Gunner, passing both
courses. The Wireless Operator course was known to be
arduous and many volunteers did not complete it. During his service Alf was hospitalised on three occasions, but it is not known whether this was a result of injuries received during active service or ill health. It is known that he took part in more than 20 raids on Germany and occupied territories, he also served on ground defence duties. Clearly as the saying at the time would have it he had "Done his bit" |
| In August 1942 Alf joined 101 Squadron and during September underwent conversion training as the Squadron were about to move to No.1 Group and become a Lancaster Squadron. The first Lancasters came on Squadron in November and Alf joined the newly formed crew under W.O. Spinney. In this crew he served as Air Gunner in the Mid Upper Turret, luckily he was not very tall as it was an exceedingly cramped position to be in, especially as Ops could last up to 9 hours. |
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| View of a Lancaster's cockpit from the mid upper turret |