Alfred enlisted in 1914. He was living at 29 Hargher Street, Burnley, Lancs at the time, and was employed as a weaver at Thompson’s Mill in Trafalgar Street, Burnley. He entered the war in Egypt on 11th August 1915. He was onboard H.M. Transport Ship 'Royal Edward' when it was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine UB-14.