At 95-years-of-age, he would have been forgiven for hitching a ride in one of the heritage war vehicles and sheltering from the downpour. But Mr Allender is determined to keep marching, until he can’t march anymore.

“I’ll keep marching until I fall over, and if I do fall over, I have people who can pick me up,” he laughed.

Mr Allender served in New Guinea for two years from 1942. He celebrated his 21^st birthday there. He has marched in Yass every Anzac Day since moving to town 20 years ago.

“I love what it represents - friendship,” Mr Allender said. “I get a great kick out of how many kids come to the march, they are our hope.”