Emma Pritchard

Surrounded by his loving family, Grafton resident and World War II (WWII) veteran George Smith celebrated his 103rd birthday on March 1 at the Grafton District Services Club (GDSC) and proudly kept his promise to the Clarence Valley Independent when, during his 102nd birthday celebrations in 2024, he happily declared he would “see us again next year.”

Born in Strathblane, Tasmania, Mr Smith was raised on his family’s dairy farm and joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), aged 18, following the outbreak of WWII.

He served as a Fitter 2E and worked on Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawks and later married Joan Apps before the couple returned to Tasmania and welcomed four children into their family.

After Joan passed away in 2018, Mr Smith continued living independently in his home in Junction Hill prior to moving into Dougherty Villa in 2023.

Mr Smith remains adamant in his belief that the secret to a long and happy life is “no smoking or drinking.”

He is also looking forward to catching up with the Clarence Valley Independent again in 2026 when he turns 104.