D-Day veteran Alf celebrates a century

Alfred was born in Camberwell, South East London on 14th March 1916. During his youth he became quite successful as an amateur boxer and wrestler.

In 1942 he enlisted in the Army (Middlesex Regiment, The “Die Hard”).

After training as a machine gunner in and around Margate, Kent, he met and married Margaret Ross-Askew in late 1943.

Shortly afterwards duty called and he then became part of the Normandy D-Day invasion force on D-Day + 2 on June 8 1944.

Upon his return from Germany and active duty in 1945, they settled in Hastings and in 1946 he commenced working for the Hastings and St Leonards Observer, based at the Cambridge Road and Trinity Street buildings. He soon became the newspaper group’s maintenance manager for this area and kept all the Parsons’ buildings, staff houses and personal estates in good order right up to his retirement in 1981.

All who know Alf will appreciate his ballroom dancing and teaching abilities, his operatic voice and his constant comic performances, never a dull moment!

His locally based family comprise of Grandson, Granddaughter, four Great Grandchildren and six Great Great Grandchildren.

Alf is now resident at Mais House, the British Legion Nursing Home in Hastings Road, Bexhill.

The home and the residents helped Alf to celebrate his centenary on Monday March 14 when there was fun, music and cake for all in attendance.