Alfred Currow, born in Queenscliff in 1874 and also known as Sam, became a fisherman and, at 24, enrolled in the Victorian militia based on Swan Island, to lay and maintain underwater mines to help protect Port Phillip.
A highly competent sailor, in 1900 he joined the crew of the Sunbeam a three-masted schooner owned by Lord Brassey, Victoria’s Governor from 1895-1900, on its journey back to England.
Alfred was awarded two Royal Humane Society Awards for rescue work and bravery during his career with the militia.
