Alfred entered the war in France on 3rd October 1915. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal "For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a heavy bombardment of gas and H E Shells. He led a party of stretcher-bearers to the rescue of some gunners whose dug-outs had been blown in. At great personal risk they succeeded in digging them out and rescued three alive. It was due to his initiative, courage and energy that three lives were saved."