Alfred’s father and grandfather were mariners, as were his six brothers. Together with three of his brothers, he took part in saving the crew of the Northern Belle. They were considered heroes and received a medals. But Alfred was to die a difficult death, aged just 45, in a mental asylum.
Clifford Walter Emptage
Colour Sergeant Clifford Walter Emptage was a career soldier who served in the 21st London Regiment.
He was a specialist in machine guns. When invalided out of France in 1915 he continued to serve as a training instructor.
Cyril George Emptage
Sergeant Cyril George Emptage was a career soldier who served in the Machine Gun Corps, which became the Royal Tank Regiment during World War One.
He was killed in the battle of Lys in April 1918.