He was born in Copenhagen Street, Islington, London, to Alfred White, a drinking club proprietor, and Victoria Bayford.
White became one of the most ruthless and vicious London gangsters between the World Wars and was the main force behind the Sabini gang of Clerkenwell, which he partnered in terrorising bookmakers on racecourses and street corners.
In 1922, White was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for his part in the shooting of George Sage and Freddie Gilbert outside the Southampton Arms in Mornington Crescent, Camden.
White dropped his association with the Sabinis, transferred his operations to greyhound tracks, and became a part-owner of Hackney Wick Stadium.
He was married to Caroline Wooder, and their three children, Alf junior, Harry and Billy, took over leadership of the gang until they were crushed by Jack Comer in 1947.