11th Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment.

Awarded the Military Medal in the London Gazette of 23 February 1918.

Townson was a native of Colne, Lancashire.

The Colne and Nelson Times reported: - Another Colne Military Medalist. Mrs Townson of 6, Bents, Colne, has received information that her son, Private Alfred Townson, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field whilst serving with his unit in France. Private Townson, who is 22 years of age, enlisted in August 1916 and after the usual period of training was sent to France the following Spring. Whilst on active service he has been wounded twice. Prior to enlisting he was engaged for a short time on ammunition work.