Celebrating a significant birthday for WWII Army veteran

Adrian’s grandson Christopher Mullins said Adrian served as a Signals Officer and Lieutenant with the 55th Battalion and 55/53 Battalion in Papua New Guinea during WWII. He was part of Australia’s armed forces who defended bravely against the Japanese Imperial Force along the Kokoda Track.  

“He basically spent most of his time on the Kokoda Track for a few years before being medically discharged to Townsville,” recalled Christopher. 

During his teenage years and most of his adult life, Adrian lived in and around Sydney but later moved up to the Sunshine Coast where he has been living for more than 40 years.  

He currently resides at Arcare Aged Care Facility in Birtinya and on his 103rd birthday, Arcare along with the Kawana Waters RSL Sub Branch hosted a celebration for his family, friends and fellow residents.  

Adrian (R) and his grandson (L) Christopher Mullins.

Kawana Waters RSL Sub Branch Deputy President Gary Penney, RSL Queensland State Deputy President Wendy Taylor, Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP and Brigadier Richard Pearce from 11 Brigade were also in attendance. 

Kawana Waters RSL Sub Branch Deputy President Gary Penney says it was a privilege to be a part of this celebration. 

“To honour a veteran that served so long ago and in such a terrible area such as Kokoda is just incredible. He is a very special person who wears his medals every day; he is so proud of his service,” Gary says.  

Surrounded by his community, Adrian’s grandson, daughter and stepdaughter spoke to his enduring legacy, generous nature and the humbling experience it was to have so many people attend this special milestone for him. Christopher even shared Adrian’s thoughts on his secret to a long life. 

“I think he would sum it up by just having the knowledge and understanding that we live in such an amazing country, and that the sacrifices that were made were not in vain. I suppose the long life was a testament to the fact he fought so hard to be here and it is worth sticking around for,” Christopher says.