Alf Carpenter, the oldest war veteran to participate in this year’s Anzac Day march, dies aged 105

Oldest war veteran to march in this year’s Anzac Day march passes away aged 105 – as the cold beverage he credited for his long life is revealed

  • World War II veteran Alf Carpenter passed away on Wednesday, aged 105
  • He was the oldest veteran to participate in this year’s Anzac Day march  
  • He was one of the last living ANZAC veterans who fought in the Battle of Crete 
  • Special tributes on social media have grown honouring Mr Carpenter  

One of Australia’s oldest war veterans, who has been called a ‘true legend’, has passed away aged 105. 

World War II veteran Alf Carpenter from Newcastle, NSW, was the country’s oldest veteran to participate in this year’s Anzac Day march. 

Mr Carpenter traveled from Newcastle to Sydney at dawn to march with his mates one more time in the 2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion down Elizabeth Street. 

World War II veteran Alf Carpenter (pictured front, with his mates in the 2/4th Australian Infantry Battalion at this year’s Anzac Day march) passed away on Wednesday aged 105. He was Australia’s oldest war veteran who said the secret to his long life was Toohey’s Old beer

Mr Carpenter (pictured) was one of the last living ANZAC veterans who fought in the Battle of Crete in 1941

Mr Carpenter (pictured) was one of the last living ANZAC veterans who fought in the Battle of Crete in 1941

He fought in Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific and was one of the last living ANZAC veterans who fought in the Battle of Crete in 1941.

He was a member of the Merewether Hamilton Adamstown RSL Sub Branch.

Mr Carpenter passed away on Wednesday. 

He had previously told 9News that his secret for a long life was Toohey’s Old beer. 

Special tributes have been paid in honour of Mr Carpenter, including a post to Facebook by the Returned and Services League of Australia New South Wales Branch. 

‘Nothing was going to stop 105-year-old WWII veteran Alf Carpenter from marching on ANZAC Day this year. 

‘Sadly, Alf passed away today. He will be missed by his fellow members of the RSL and we extend our condolences to his family and friends.

In a special tribute to Mr Carpenter (pictured middle, at this year's Anzac Day march), RSL NSW said: 'Sadly, Alf passed away today. He will be missed by his fellow members of the RSL and we extend our condolences to his family and friends'

In a special tribute to Mr Carpenter (pictured middle, at this year’s Anzac Day march), RSL NSW said: ‘Sadly, Alf passed away today. He will be missed by his fellow members of the RSL and we extend our condolences to his family and friends’

‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them. Lest we forget.’

This was followed by the Merewether Hamilton Adamstown RSL Sub Branch, who said: ‘Sad news with the passing of our member Alf Carpenter OAM.

‘One of the oldest, if not the oldest WWII veteran.

‘A life well lived… and an absolute legend.

‘Will be sadly missed by all of his RSL Sub-Branch mates.’

The swimming club, Merewether Mackerels, also paid tribute to Mr Carpenter. 

‘Goodbye to our oldest Mackerel Alf Carpenter who passed away yesterday peacefully aged 105.

Mr Carpenter (pictured in 2011) received warm messages from members of the public, including one who said: 'RIP Alf, and thank you for your years of service to our Country'

Mr Carpenter (pictured in 2011) received warm messages from members of the public, including one who said: ‘RIP Alf, and thank you for your years of service to our Country’

‘Alf was a big personality at the Mackerels and loved his Sundays for over 40 years with the Mackerels.

‘Alf loved to tell his stories or recite a poem.

‘We will miss you Alf RIP.’

Members of the public have also shared kind messages about Mr Carpenter, including one woman who said: ‘Wow! What a great age! A true legend, and how wonderful that he could still proudly enjoy his mateship until the end. 

‘RIP Alf, and thank you for your years of service to our Country,’ she added. 

Another commented: ‘What a character and what a legend. Rest In Peace Alf. Lest we forget.’ 

‘Such a full life. A true Australian hero. RIP Alf,’ a third said. 

Mr Carpenter’s death followed the death of another of Australia’s oldest surviving World War II veterans, Bert Collins, who also died at the age 105 in February, and veteran Dennis Davis, one of Australia’s last surviving ‘Rats of Tobruk’, who died in August at the age of 102.

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