At the age of 105, one of Australia’s oldest war veterans—who has been dubbed a “genuine legend”—passed and died.
Alf Carpenter, a World War II veteran from Newcastle, New South Wales, was the oldest veteran to take part in this year’s Anzac Day march.
To participate in one last Elizabeth Street march with his friends in the 2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion, Mr. Carpenter made the early-morning trip from Newcastle to Sydney.
One of the few surviving ANZAC warriors who participated in the Battle of Crete in 1941, he fought in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
He belonged to the RSL Sub Branch of Merewether Hamilton Adamstown.
On Wednesday, Mr. Carpenter died away.
He had earlier revealed to 9News that Toohey’s Old beer was the key to his long life.
Mr. Carpenter has received special tributes, including a Facebook post from the Returned and Services League of Australia New South Wales Branch.
Alf Carpenter, a 105-year-old World War II veteran, marched on ANZAC Day this year over all odds.
“Unfortunately, Alf died today. His RSL colleagues will miss him, and we send our sympathies to his family and friends.
“We shall think about them in the morning and at the setting of the sun.” Let us not forget.
The Merewether Hamilton Adamstown RSL Sub Branch then spoke, expressing its sadness at the demise of one of its members, Alf Carpenter OAM.
A WWII veteran who is among the oldest, if not the oldest.
“A well-lived life… and a true legend.”
All of his RSL Sub-Branch friends said he “will be dearly missed.”
Merewether Mackerels, a swimming club, also paid homage to Mr. Carpenter.
Our oldest Mackerel Alf Carpenter, who was 105 years old, died away quietly yesterday.
Alf had a great personality and spent more than 40 years with the Mackerels enjoying Sundays.
Alf enjoyed sharing his experiences and reading poetry.
Alf, we shall miss you. RIP.
Additionally, members of the public have expressed their gratitude for Mr. Carpenter, with one woman writing: “Wow! What a wonderful age! A real legend, and what a blessing that he was able to proudly cherish his mateship right up to the very end.
She said, “RIP Alf, and thank you for your years of devotion to our Country.”
Another person said: “What a legend and what a character. Alf, rest in peace. Let us not forget.
Such an active life. a real hero in Australia. Alf, RIP,’ a third said.
Bert Collins, one of Australia’s oldest living World War II soldiers, also passed away in February at the age of 105. Veteran Dennis Davis, one of Australia’s last living “Rats of Tobruk,” passed away in August at the age of 102.