Second Generation ANZAC: The Story of Alf Carpenter

Born in Wagga Wagga in 1917, Alf Carpenter joined the army in 1939 and served for seven years. He began his service in North Africa, where Alf fought battles in Bardia, Tobruk and Benghazi. He was sent to Greece, where the 2/4th Battalion of Alf was declared "Second Generation ANZACS" by General Blamey in April 1942. This was the first and only time since 1915 that the acronym had been given to a battalion. Alf lost sight of one of his eyes at the Battle of Crete but was determined to stay in place. He was then sent closer to his home in Papua New Guinea, Bougainville and finally Darwin. Alf's story exemplifies the ANZAC spirit and reminds us all what it means to be Australian.