Tributes have flowed in for much-loved Hunter legend Alf Carpenter, who passed away this week at the age of 105.
The NSW Returned Services League (RSL NSW) announced the Anzac and Battle of Crete veteran died on Wednesday 7 September.
The adored local was also a former zone supervisor for Surf Life Saving NSW and a life member of the Merewether Mackerels Winter Swimming Club, among many other organisations.
During World War II, Mr Carpenter fought in Europe and the Middle East, before being stationed in the Pacific towards the end of the battle.
He was honoured by the Greek government in 2015 for his role in the Battle of Crete, in which Nazi Germany launched an airborne invasion in May 1941.
RSL NSW led the accolades for the former Merewether-Hamilton-Adamstown RSL sub-Branch member.
“Alf would travel from Newcastle to Sydney to march with his mates in the 2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion down Elizabeth Street,” it said in a statement on social media.
“He will be missed by his fellow members of the RSL; and we extend our condolences to his family and friends.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget.”
Even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted an acknowledgement to Mr Carpenter, and accompanying picture, on Twitter.
Newcastle state MP Tim Crakanthorp also paid his respects.
“It’s very sad news,” he said.
“As a veteran of the Battle of Crete, this year Alf was likely the oldest veteran marching at the Sydney Anzac Day commemoration.
“He was also a member of the Merewether Mackerels for more than four decades, and the photo I’ve shared (above) is from his recognition of 50 years’ service as a Justice of Peace.
“Of course, that is just scraping the surface of a lifetime of achievement.
“He was a long-time resident of Georgetown, before moving into aged care at Maroba.
“He was in the same unit as my mum, so I still saw a lot of him and we always had a great chat over his lunchtime beer.
“Alf opted for a New, but I stuck with water.
“Vale, Alf. You were nothing short of legend and you will be very missed.”
Newcastle federal MP Sharon Claydon echoed Mr Crakanthorp’s sentiments.
“A sad start to today as I heard about the passing of local WWII veteran Alf Carpenter,” she shared on Facebook.
“He was larger than life and lived his 105 years to the absolute fullest.
“I extend my condolences to all who knew him, especially his friends, family, carers at Maroba, the Merewether Mackerels, and members of the Merewether-Hamilton-Adamstown RSL sub-Branch.
“Lest We Forget.”
Wallsend state MP Sonia Hornery labelled Mr Carpenter a “true gentleman”.
“It’s very sad news,” she said.
“Alf was a much-admired local veteran; and was the oldest to participate in the Anzac Day march in Sydney this year.
“Thank you for your service, Alf… and rest in peace.”
For more news stories:
