Narrabri’s last World War II veteran a familiar face at Anzac Day observances

The sight of Narrabri’s last surviving World War II veteran, Arthur Wells, taking part in Anzac Day commemorations will be one familiar to so many.

Mr Wells, now aged 97-years-old, maintains a significant presence at one of the nation’s most special days, often seen as a passenger in the vehicle parade as part of the Narrabri Anzac Day march.

For many years, he has also laid a World War II wreath at the Anzac Day memorial service.

Mr Wells enlisted on January 22, 1945, at 18-years-old, in the 2/1 Australian Guard Regiment, serving for a total of 1011 days.

Of this time, he spent 569 days overseas.

Mr Wells was discharged on October 29, 1947, just before his 21st birthday, with his final rank being Lance Corporal.

Mr Wells was serving for the AIF in Japan when Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender of the Japanese, officially bringing the hostilities to a close.

He also arrived into Japan by ship, soon after the atomic bombings which took place in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.