Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

The fifth of six children of Octavius Charles Dyson (b1870 in Perth, WA) and Maud Mary Broun (b1866 in Beverley, WA) Alf was six years of age when his father deserted the family, and twelve when older brother Charles was KiA in WWI. Octavius (a Wood Carter) and Maud married in 1893 in Perth, WA, and Octavius was frequently in contact with the Police and Courts - including for Drunkeness and Assault of a Police Officer. In 1897 Octavius was charged with neglecting to support his wife and children (Inquirer and Commercial News (Perth WA) Friday 5 March 1897; p10), and in 1922 Maud filed for Divorce. It was reported (The Daily News; 10 Ocrober 1922) that 'In 1909 her husband, who was addicted to drink. and who in consequence frequently came into contact with the police, deserted her and she has been compelled to maintain herself and the children since'. Maud stated that 'I could not continue to live with him. It has been a life of torture for me ...'

Alf had a brief career as an Amateur Boxer in the 1920s, and in 1928 was homeless and begging on the streets when he was arrested and jailed for two months for vagrancy. Alf was working as a Carter in Perth WA in 1931 when he married Mona Adelaide Shaw (b1910 in Bunbury WA) and the couple lived in Fremantle and Broomehill, Tambellup WA where Alf was a Labourer.

In July 1940 Alf enlisted in the Australian Army (Private; Service No:WX6723) and was attached to 8 Reinforcements 2/3 Field Regiment when he was Discharged in March 1941.

Alf and Mona lived in Southern Cross and Ghooli in Yilgarn WA where Alf was a Labourer before moving to Perth in the late 1950s. Mona died in 1976 and Alf in 1979.