And he's not about to be aced by age just yet.

Mr Johnston, 93, still dons his volleys and picks up his racquet on a Friday to take on some much younger opponents at Lake Cathie Tennis Club.

And he certainly gives them a run for their money with precision serves and a backhand many players would kill for.

Already many of his rivals have fallen victim to being lulled into a false sense of security with Mr Johnston sporting a full grey beard and appearing a little on the frail side. They soon learned that there's more to tennis than just the skill with the racquet and ball – mind games can help, and Mr Johnston has plenty of them.

Until recently Mr Johnston was playing twice a week, but has cut back.

For many years he favoured the lower court at Lake Macquarie, so after many committee meetings it was decided that for an 88th birthday present the club would award him guardianship of court 2.

It appears his sporting prowess has not been limited to the tennis court either. He was a champion beltman for lifesaving and a first grade rugby league player for Balmain.

Probably his most outstanding achievement, however, was being involved in one of the most dangerous manoeuvres undertaken during World War II.

Australian corvette Dubbo and her sister ship Kiama were to weave their way through a minefield so they could bombard the Japanese fortifications in the northern Solomon Islands.

Mr Johnston was a crew member of the Dubbo and when they were involved in the rescue of the crew of the ill-fated corvette Wallaroo, he gave the lead by plunging into the ocean to save them.

Nine crew members of the Wallaroo were successfully brought back to the Dubbo.

So, even if you weren't impressed with a 93-year-old still serving up a storm, you can be sure there's plenty of pride for his service to his country.

Blow some candles out on a cake on Friday, Mr Johnston and many more to come.