Alfred was born on 14 April 1922 in Whitechapel to Bosnian born Koppel (Jack) and Yetta nee Hirsch. Alfred had four siblings, Annie, Julius, Jenny and Harry. In 1939 the family were living at 113 New Road, Stepney and Koppel is listed as a restaurant proprietor and Yetta is the cook.

Alfred died at St Peter’s Hospital, Maldon. His death certificate states: ‘Fractured skull whilst travelling as a passenger in a RAF lorry which collided with a low Railway Bridge, Accidental.’