Alfred Wood was born in Liverpool, Lancashire, England on 18 August 1890. He was the son of Liverpool natives Joseph Wood, an engine fitter, and Eliza Brough. He was baptised in Emanuel Church in Everton on 29 October 1890 and with his address being specified as 46 Molyneux Road. 

One of seven children, Alfred and his family appear on the 1901 census as residents of 36 Hughes Street, Everton and were still living there by the time of the 1911 census, although Alfred was absent and presumably at sea. He is recorded as having made numerous voyages aboard the Empress of Britain before joining Carpathia.

In April 1912 Wood was serving as a waiter aboard the eastward-bound voyage of the Carpathia when that ship rescued the survivors of the Titanic. 

Following the Titanic disaster Wood continued to work at sea, serving during WWI with the merchant fleet and later on the ground in France. He was married in January 1914 to Frances Helena Murphy (b. 1894), their daughter Iris having been born two years previous. 

Alfred Wood died in Southport, Lancashire in 1971.