Alfred James Rose was born in the gold mining town of Hillgrove in 1886. Hillgrove is located about 30 kilometres east of Armidale, in the New England District of NSW.
His father was a Miner, but life in mining towns was often difficult particularly as the ore ran out. The family remained at Hillgrove until 1912, although Alfred was living in the regional town of Tamworth in 1911. He was first recorded playing rugby union with the West Tamworth Club.
Alfred’s brother, Ernest, was working at the Bakers Creek Gold mine at Hillgrove, and that the mine was struggling with a major down turn in 1912. This coincided with the family moving to Sydney.
Alfred’s father became a Locomotive Engine Driver and Alfred and his brother Ernest followed in this occupation.
Military Medal
