But now the veteran has outlived most of his comrades, and at 102 is still living independently in Anglesea and even driving a car.

The centenarian believes a healthy diet and staying active has been the key to his longevity.

"After the war, I played golf and bowls until I was 95," said Mr Randall. He even became Anglesea Bowling Club champion at age 86.

Mr Randall's diet involves none of the fasts and cleanses and food bans that the fitness gurus roll out to promise long life. His diet is all about moderation and he has had the same breakfast for as long as he can remember.

"I have porridge with honey and a piece of toast every morning."

Mr Randall served in the Australian Army for three years as a mechanic and is one of Australia's oldest World War II veterans.

Reflecting on his time in Darwin, he said that although the weather in Australia's north allowed him to wear shorts and a T-shirt, it was no holiday.

During his service, Mr Randall would ride his motorbike around Darwin and the surrounding areas fixing searchlight generators along with other electrical work.

He was discharged in November 1945, not long after Victory in the Pacific Day. Following the war, he married Norma Venner and worked as a fitter and turner in the Broadmeadows Army Camp. Norma died in 1996.

The great-grandfather has attended Anglesea's Anzac Day service every year since he moved there in 1972.

He said there were now only five members of his unit still alive and Anzac Day day was a time to remember "all those mates" he fought with.

This year Mr Randall, who turns 103 in October, handed the salute for the ceremony over to Moss Darby, a 94-year-old RAAF World War II veteran.