Major Philip Hothersall signed up “as a boy” in 1957 when he was 17. He then worked his way up through the ranks during a lengthy career in which he served in England, Ireland, Germany, the Middle East, Far East and the Falklands in the Royal Artillery regiments.

“I loved it, I loved the service and I’d do it all again in a heartbeat,” he said following Sunday’s service.

Perhaps surprisingly, in his 34 years of service, Major Hothersall only had one colleague killed in action, in Aden, capital city of Yemen.

It was for this man he laid a wreath at the Bega Memorial Gate on Sunday.

While Sunday’s centenary service was the largest Remembrance Day crowd seen in Bega in recent memory, the day celebrating the end of the war regularly plays second fiddle to annual Anzac Day commemorations of the failed landing at Gallipoli and recognition of all those who have served.

Major Hothersall said he felt that must be particular to Australia, as in England, Remembrance Day was “very important”.

“Every town and village has a service to mark Remembrance Day. Every church has a service and reads out all the names of the soldiers listed on their honour roll,” he said.

“Veterans get together at those services to catch up, reminisce. They don’t always see those mates during the year so this is their day – it’s all about comradeship.”