Bendigo's oldest registered war veteran, 103-year-old Arthur Hibbert, was joined at Bendigo's Anzac Day march centenary service by 27-year-old serving solider, Shaun Bowles.

Arthur, who served in the 9th division in WWII from 1940 to 1945, had the honour of leading the cavalcade of cars along High Street during the Anzac Day march.

Shaun, a Darwin-based soldier originally from Bendigo, sat with Arthur during the main ceremony and caught up with him again after the event.

He said he was put in touch with Arthur through Bendigo District RSL sub branch after asking to be part of the day. 

"They asked if I’d like to spend the day with Arthur and I said I’d be privileged," he said.

"The day turned out to be one of the best Anzac Days I've ever had."

Arthur said Shaun helped steady him up as they walked up to the cenotaph.

"I’m pretty proud of him," he said.

"He’s a two striper, a corporal. When he stood up and had to salute, he nearly knocked my nose off."

Shaun said the two soldiers had an instant connection, which was not uncommon despite their age difference.

"It doesn't matter how far between years, soldiers always can get on and talk, no matter if you're a new soldier or a veteran," he said. 

Arthur's granddaughter Julie Mollison said Shaun had done a lot of research on her grandfather before meeting him.

"That really made his day to start with," he said.

"Shaun sat with him all day and bought him a beer at the end of the day. 

"That was his highlight."

She said it was an incredibly emotional day for Arthur and their entire family.

"Pa took an extra moment at the cenotaph and bowed his head.

"You could see tears in his eyes."