Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alfred Mizon, commonly known as “Alf” was born on 2 January 1981 in North Adelaide, South Australia. He was a natural-born Australian and was raised in a Roman Catholic family. Before the outbreak of World War I, Alf worked as an Engine Fireman, a physically demanding occupation that involved maintaining steam engines and ensuring they operated safely.

At the time of his enlistment, Alf was living in Quorn, South Australia. He was married to Hazel Annie Teresa Mizon, who later became his nominated next of kin during his military service. He had a daughter born in 1915 called Majorie. Although Alf wished to serve his country, he had previously been rejected for military service because of problems with his eyesight. Despite the obstacle, he remained determined to enlist and contribute to the war.

On 17 May 1916, at the young age of 25, Alfred Mizon successfully enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force at Port Augusta, South Australia. He joined as a Private in the 43rd Battalion, 2nd Reinforcement. At the time of enlistment, he was 5 feet 7.5 inches tall and weighed approximately 58 kilograms.

After completing his training, Alf was sent overseas to serve on the Western Front. He embarked from Adelaide and arrived in PLymouth England and after some further training proceeded to France 25 November 1916. In January 1917 he was hospitalised with diarrheoa for two days and rejoined the 43rd Battalion. He was wounded in action with a sharpnel wounds to his back and side on 20 June 1917. After initial treatment in France he was sent back to England to recover. He returned to the front in October 1917 and the following month was appointed a Lance Corporal. He was sent to Brigade Scool in December 1917. In February 1918 he took two weeks leave in the UK returning to his unit on 7 March 1918. 

During May 1918, he was wounded when he was exposed to poison gas but returned to duty the following month. He was promoted to Temporary Sergeant in September and had his rank confirmed in December. After the war ended he took more leave in January 1919 and then attended Commercial School to gain more skills while waiting repatriation. He marched into base in April 1914 to prepare for return to Australia.

On May 3, 1919, he boarded the ship HT Leicestershire for Australia. He arrived in Adelaide on 15 June 1919 and was officially discharged from military service on 2 August 1919 when his enlistment ended.

After returning home to South Australia, Alfred resumed life. Having survived war, included being wounded by poisons gas, he was able to return to his family and community. He continued his life with his wife, Hazel Annie Teresa Mizon, and settled back into Australian life during the post war years. He had another child, Kevin who was born in Murray Bridge.

Many years later, during World War II, Alf once again volunteered to serve his country. On 29 June 1943, he enlisted as a Warrant Officer (Class 2), at Wayville, South Australia. By this stage he was living in the suburb of Plympton in Adelaide. Alfred initially served as a Staff Sergeant and completed several military courses including sniper and grenade courses so he could instruct others. He was appointed a Warrant Office II in August 1943. He served training others until July 1944 when he was hospitalised with illness and anxiety. He was discharged at his own request in October 1944

Alfred Mizon lived a long life and remained in South Australia for the rest of his years. He passed away in Adelaide on April 15, 1978, at the age of 87 and is buried at Centennial Park Cemetery.