Alfred graduated from New Glasgow High School in NS where he excelled in track, rugger, hockey, baseball and softball. In 1941 he joined the RCAF and over the next few years he served at the Manning Depot in Toronto; at Centralia; Fingal; Eglington ITS; Trenton for PT&DI Course No 8 ( F/Sgt George Nick was chief PT Instructor and F/Sgt Mackernan was the drill instructor); and No 1Y Depot Halifax. 1944-45 found him with the Eastern Air Cadet Training Wing; 501 PHU; 10 BR Gander and Torbay NL.