Alfred Furlonger

Early life Furlonger was born in Wimbledon, London to parents Alfred Henry Furlonger and Mary Jane Steel. He was named after his father, who worked as a water fitter. He was baptised at the Church of The Holy Trinity and St Peter in Surrey on 30 January 1887.

His Freemason membership was initiated on 16 Sep 1914. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for defending an evacuation train during the Third Battle of Ypres.

He eventually rose in rank from sergeant to an acting company Sergeant Major.

On 30 April 1918, Furlonger was working on a railway near Poperinge in Belgium. A train had been placed at the refilling point, and the engine was set to be detached. However, a fire broke out on one of the ammunition trucks. Furlonger ordered the men to tow the burning truck away from the rest of the train. Once far enough away, he and a small group attempted to uncouple the engine. The truck exploded, resulting in the death of him and four of his men.