In 1934 Alf joined the volunteer forces and enlisted as a soldier. He was ranked as a Sergeant when World War 2 broke out
Mary Carr Alf was hit in the side of the head with shrapnel while being mortared by German forces in Crete. This affected his optical nerve and he eventually lost sight in his right eye. He received a corneal transplant which restored 25% of his sight and he is still able to drive!
Mary Carr In 1938 Alf joined Surf Lifesavers at Merewether
Alf married Marjorie Yates on 2nd December, 1939. Alf went to see Marjorie’s father, who had a store. He said “your daughter and I intend to marry and I am asking for your blessing.” Marjorie’s father looked Alf up and down a couple of times, and said “if you can tame her, you can have her.” They were married for many years and had one son.
Mary Carr Fighting in New Guinea, Alf was in a landing craft hit by Japanese forces. He landed in the water and floated there overnight until he was picked up by a rescue boat the next day. With him was a fellow soldier (Ted Lewis) who worked in Wallsend (Newcastle). They agreed to go into business together if they survived the war This image was taken off New Guinea coast
Alf opened a general store with Ted Lewis at Warners Bay
Alf bought a kombi van in Australia and shipped it over to Germany. The family spent 2 years driving all over Europe
Alf worked as a Stage Hypnotist under the pseudonym Kim Karson He practiced thought transference and wrote articles for British journal of Medical Hypnotists. Alf demonstrated his skills at Kiev University in the Ukraine and also in Moscow. On July 4th 1968 he was invited to the American embassy in Moscow to celebrate. He first visited there ...
Mary Carr On 2nd December, 1968 Alf became a Justice of the Peace (JP)
Mary Carr In 1972 Alf became a founding member of the Merewether Mackerels. The Mackerels would volunteer for beach patrol when the Surf club was down on members. Alf even helped some members to attain their bronze medallion to assist in the patrols.
Mary Carr Alf turns 100
Mary Carr Alf celebrated 50 years as a Justice of the Peace. You can watch the full news clip here - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=538986173345268
Mary Carr Alf celebrates his 103rd birthday. Due to covid isolation, he was unable to have a party but celebrated with a few Tooheys Old at home instead.
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WW2 vetran Alf Carpenter has fought in Europe, the Middle East, and even the Pacific. This Local Legend is an avid swimmer and he credits his longevity to swimming in the cold ocean and the camaraderie of his swimming club – The Mackerels.