Alfred enlisted into the Medical Staff Corps on 21st October 1897. He was 18 years and 11 months old; was a Cellarman by trade; and was living in Lincolnshire at the time. On 1st May 1900 he was appointed a 2nd Class Orderly within the R.A.M.C., becoming a 1st Class Orderly on 1st January 1901. He saw active service in the South African War from 1901 to 1902, then was transferred to the reserves on 21st October 1905 on completing his term of engagement. On 4th September 1909 he re-engaged into the Colours. Alfred entered the war in France on 18th August 1914. He continued in service under the Military Service Act from 20th October 1918, however became physically unfit for war service from 4th June 1919.