Before he joined the army Mr Lonergan was a builder and played an important part in Lake Macquarie's local military history, helping to construct the Rathmines Air Force Base.

"I stood on the roof of the hangar at Rathmines when the first Catalinas came in," he said.

Originally from Belmore, Mr Lonergan's job - and his sense of adventure - led him to Darwin, where he spent several months building a hospital.

During his time there he became fond of the place.

Mr Lonergan said he never intended to join the war, but when he returned home and the Japanese bombed the city he had grown to love, he changed his mind.

He joined the army and before long volunteered for the commandos, because the idea of trench warfare did not appeal to him.

The commando training was "pretty tough" and many people didn't make it through, but Mr Lonergan said years of "back-breaking" labour helped him get through it.

Mr Lonergan was nicknamed "Darwin" because he often talked fondly about his time in the regional city.

In 1942, at the age of 28, he flew to Papua New Guinea and was stationed in Wau with the 7th Commando Squadron.

Mr Lonergan now resides in Brightwaters.

He's not sure if he will march tomorrow, but he will raise a glass in memory of those who have fallen.