Narrabri’s last surviving World War II veteran Arthur Wells, who sadly died in September aged 97, has been recognised for his service in state parliament.
State Member for Barwon Roy Butler paid tribute to Mr Wells in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday night.
“Mr Arthur Wells lived in his own home independently up until his passing,” Mr Butler told parliament.
“I send my sincere condolences to the Wells family. Arthur’s contribution to his country was and still is very much
appreciated.”
Mr Wells enlisted on January 22, 1945, as an 18-year-old in the 2nd/1st Australian Guard Regiment, serving for a total of 1011 days and spending 569 days overseas attached to the British Commonwealth Occupation Force.
Mr Wells was discharged on October 29, 1947, just before his twenty-first birthday, with a final rank of lance corporal.
Mr Wells was serving for the Australian Imperial Force in Japan when Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender of the Japanese in September 1945, officially bringing hostilities to a close.
Across the years, Mr Wells had become a familiar face to many in the community through his participation in local commemorations, especially Anzac Day with Mr Wells laying a wreath and participating in the vehicle parade and march to the Maitland Street war memorial.
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