New South Wales' last remaining Rats of Tobruk veteran, Ernie Walker OAM has been remembered for having a mind as "sharp as a tack" at his funeral in the state's Southern Highlands today.
Mr Walker was a member of the defiant garrison that earned legendary status after spending eight months defending Mediterranean port of Tobruk during 1941.
He was also involved in the Kokoda Trail Campaign.
The 106-year-old died at his home in Penrose in the New South Wales Southern Highlands in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Mr Walker lived out his last few decades with his wife Bev in the small village, where he pursued his love of horses.
'A man's man, a hard worker, a gentleman and a good bloke'
More than 100 people attended the World War II veteran's funeral at Bundanoon on Thursday to pay tribute to his long life.
A guard of honour lined the walkway to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
His stepson Trevor Hind told the congregation his father was "a man's man, a hard worker, a gentleman and a good bloke".
"His mind was as sharp as a tack."
Mr Walker was a trained carpenter and lost his eye in a riding accident.
Local farrier and long-time friend Curly Charlwood talked about Mr Walker's commitment to his family.
"Bev was the love of his life," he said.
Mr Charlwood said his mate was known for his forthright nature.
A 'straight-talker'
"Ernie didn't suffer fools, what you saw is what you got, he didn't mix his words," Mr Charlwood said.
"We salute his service. May he rest in peace, and we never forget the sacrifice of our selfless veterans.
"We're going to miss him."
Family friend Brett Parbery paid tribute to his ability to survive and "incredible will to live".
"We talk about PTSD a lot these days but a nip of whiskey, that was enough for him," he said.
"He lived a beautiful simple life. If he wanted chicken soup, one of the chooks got knocked on the head,"
"He lived an extraordinary life."
'We salute his service'
This week Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton paid tribute to Mr Walker in parliament.
"Ernie was an extraordinary member of what is known as the greatest generation — one of the famous Rats of Tobruk and a veteran of Kokoda," Mr Albanese said.
"His passing at the grand age of 106 means the last of the NSW Rats of Tobruk has marched into history.
"On behalf of parliament, we honour Ernie's memory, we salute his service and we reflect on the bravery of all those Australians who risked and lost their lives to defend our nation's freedom."
The last survivors of the infamous desert campaign remain in Victoria.
