Born on December 25, 1881, the son of William and Elizabeth Dawkins. Husband of Harriett

Joined the Royal Navy at Chatham on January 18, 1898 as a boy sailor, and started a twelve year engagement as an Ordinary Seaman from his eighteenth birthday, December 25, 1899. On May 18, 1902 Alfred was promoted to Able Seaman, and then to Leading Seaman on November 1, 1909.

During his service, Alfred served on the following;

HMS Minotaur
HMS Agincourt
HMS Alexandria
HMS Revenge
HMS Victorious
HMS Duke of Wellington
HMS Firequeen I
HMS Canopus
HMS Mercury
HMS Arrogant
HMS Bonaventure

He was discharged at the end of his engagement and transferred to the Royal Fleet Reserve on January 5, 1912. On July 13, 1914, he joined HMS Good Hope having been called up from the reserves.