While I only met Alan a few times on his visits to Melbourne, he made a huge impression on me - partly because of his kind, gentle nature, interested in everything anyone said and always with a smile playing on his lips as if he was truly content. But also because of his vast knowledge of language. Listening to him speak about the origins, links, unusual features and other details of so many languages - especially those with origins in the Middle East - was fascinating. It was only after his death I learned of his acquaintance with Moshe Dayan and time spent in Egypt - I should dearly have loved to hear of those memories first hand. RIP Alan, a true gentleman soldier and scholar.
VX14093 Alan served as an officer in 2/14 Battalion AIF in the Second World War. He joined the battalion at its formation in 1940 and was seriously wounded during the Syrian Campaign of 1941. He returned to the battalion, but the consequences of that wound meant he was forced to leave it after the Kokoda Trail action of 1942. He further served the battalion as president of its Association in 1986. We will remember them.