Alfred previously served with the Royal West Kent Volunteers. He enlisted into the 1st Home Counties Divisional Field Ambulance, R.A.M.C., T.F. on 26th October 1910. He was 27 years and 3 month old; and was a Fitter by trade; and was living at 87 New Road, Chatham at the time. He became one of a quota of N.C.O.’s and men, known as 'Special Reserve', who previously agreed to serve overseas in the event of a war. On 6th August 1914, he transferred from the 1st Home Counties Field Ambulance to serve with the Expeditionary Force, and marched alongside Captain Greene, and the detachment, to a field adjoining Monockton’s Mill, Sandling Road, Maidstone, which had become the mobilization headquarters of No 10 Field Ambulance. He entered the war with the 10th Field Ambulance on 23rd August 1914. He was due to be released from Special Reserve on 25th March 1916, therefore was sent to Base Details in Rouen and returned to England on 18th March to rejoin the 1st Home Counties Divisional Field Ambulance. He was posted to the 3/1st Home Counties Field Ambulance on 30th March 1916, then the following day joined the 4/1st Home Counties Field Ambulance in the cooking section. He was promoted to acting Lance Corporal on 4th November 1916. On 24th January 1917 he was posted to serve with the 81st (1/1st Home Counties) Field Ambulance, and was on-route to Salonika on the 27th, arriving there on the 7th February. His rank reverted back to his permanent rank of Private on proceeding overseas. From 26th October 1917 he continued in service under the Military Service Act. On 3rd May 1918 was attached to No 37 General Hospital, and served with them until 22nd March 1919 when he began his journey back to the UK. Arriving on the 6th April 1919 he cpmpleted his service on 6th May 1919. He was the husband of Jessie Louisa West.