ANDREWS, Alfred Edward
| Service Number: | F/4748 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 26 November 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Able Seaman |
| Last Unit: | Not yet discovered |
| Born: | Fremantle, Western Australia, 12 April 1925 |
| Home Town: | Fremantle, Fremantle, Western Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 26 Nov 1942: | Enlisted Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman, F/4748 | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 May 1946: | Discharged Royal Australian Navy, Able Seaman, F/4748 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Liz Williamson
Alfred ‘Mick’ Andrews was born 'on the kitchen table', in Fremantle, Western Australia.
In November 1942, Mick enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy and served on HMAS Australia during the Second World War.
HMAS Australia was the first Australian ship attacked by Japanese kamikaze planes during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines in October 1944.
Seven officers and 23 sailors lost their lives, and 56 were wounded during the attack.
HMAS Australia battled on and sailed to the UK via Sydney and New York for repairs. It took two months to fix the ship, after which it sailed back to Fremantle.
Once home, Mick's parents got a welcome surprise when he trekked from the dock to their house.
Mick discharged from the RAN in May 1946. He then worked at the State Library from 1955 until 1988 as the 2IC.
During this time, he also studied for 14 years and obtained his librarian degree among other qualifications.
Mick married his beloved wife Shirley in 1948, and they had two children. Sadly, Shirley and one of their children have since passed away.
In his spare time, Mick played footy for South Fremantle and umpired A-Grade games.
Mick credits his long life to clean living, physical activity, and tending to his huge garden.
Courtesy of Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs FB page Alfred ‘Mick’ Andrews celebrates his 100th birthday (www.facebook.com)
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