Alf was a member of Z Special Unit, a highly trained elite group of men who volunteered to be dropped behind enemy lines during World War II. Alf recalls that a fella named Major Holland came to Richmond and he wanted volunteers to do deep reconnaissance work behind the lines. “I volunteered to become a Z special man.”
Being part of the Z Special Unit, “we weren’t allowed to say anything about what we did or what Z was doing until 1980. All our operations had to be kept secret”.
At a reunion on Fraser Island in August 2010, Alf said, “it’s nice to know that your unit is going to be recognised because for 30 years no one knew about us. We were a special unit and I quite believe that there were only special people in it.”
On ANZAC Day Alf says he feels very emotional. “I miss the blokes who have gone before me”.
Included in hEAd oN exhibition.
Date: 25/04/12
Location: Sydney CBD
Photographer: Allan Coker
