enlisted: Brighton, South Australia

rank: Corporal 2087, 3rd Brigade Ammunition Column

died: 7th May 1915

buried: Shell Green Cemetery, Artillery Plot 28.

History

Alfred was the third son and seventh child of Edward and Ann Croud of Elham in the County of Kent.  He was born in the village of Elham in September 1869.  His family were labourers who worked on farms in the area. 

India and South Africa

Some time before 1891 he left Elham and joined the British army, and it seems that he signed on for 14 years.  His military service took him overseas to India, for in 1901 he reappeared in Elham with his wife Louisa, and three children.  Louisa and his son Alfred were both born in Madras, India.  His fourth child was born in Elham in April 1901 and on her baptismal record his occupation was recorded as 'retired policeman' so he may have been in the military or Indian police.  Later that year he re joined his regiment and fought in the South African War until 1902.

Australia

Alfred's travels were not over however.  In 1914 he travelled to Australia, where he settled in Brighton, a suburb of Adelaide, South Australia.  He got a job as an attendant at Minda Home, a progressive establishment for children and young adults with learning disabilities.

It was in Brighton that he joined up when was was declared in August 1914.  Due to his previous experience in the British army, he was given the rank of Corporal in the 3rd Brigade Ammunition Column.

It was whilst serving with the 3rd Brigade that he was killed at Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli.

Last update : 1sy May 2007