Person:Lawrence McLaughlin (1)

ARNOLD McLaughlin celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday, surrounded by friends and family at Storm Retirement Village. During the celebrations many were astounded to learn of Arnold’s interesting life and his many achievements, including his two years of service in the second world war. Taree RSL sub-branch members were there to present Arnold with a special RSL plaque, commemorating his service to the Australian Defence Force. “Arnold served with the 2/3rd battalion who fought against all the King’s enemies,” RSL sub-branch president, Bob Coombes said. “They served in North Africa, Greece, the Middle East, Papua New Guinea and Japan and saw many of the toughest battles. “This is an historical event for the sub-branch as we’ve never had the pleasure of being able to celebrate a veteran’s 100th birthday with them,” he said. “It really is a great privilege to be here and such a pleasure to present Arnold with this plaque and celebrate his birthday with him. He’s had an amazing life.” Arnold’s 2/3rd is a famous battalion and he was used as a ‘forward scout’ at times, sent ahead to check for enemies. Arnold grew up in Lansdowne and moved to Sydney before he enrolled in the army. He married Vera Atkins and has always been extremely close with his nieces and nephews and large family. Arnold joined Taree RSL upon his return to the area in 1974 and became close with many members. He is not only a life subscriber of the Taree RSL sub-branch but was also an original member of the Harrington/Crowdy Head sub-branch. Arnold’s family jokingly told of how he has been telling them for more than 60 years that he’s not well, but there he was on Friday, celebrating a century of living. He has forged a legacy of hard work and determination into the people who know him. In the lead-up to Anzac Day Arnold’s family thought it would be fitting to publish his own account of life in the war. HAYLEY WILLIAMS