But the World War II aerial ace was more worried others would be daunted.

“I thought it was wonderful that the rain didn’t deter anyone, it’s been a very, very good service,” Mr Pickles said after watching the Albury Anzac Day remembrance on Monument Hill.

The Distinguished Flying Cross recipient, who commanded an RAF squadron, lives near Barham but has ties to Albury through friends.

After World War II, Mr Pickles, a bachelor, took on the family property at Rand before moving west.

The farmer in him was also not complaining about the rain: “It’s marvellous, it’s the best autumn break I can remember in years.”