Born in Kimberley in the Northern Cape in May 1948, Arnè (Angel) Söderlund was educated at Christian Brothers College in Kimberley where he matriculated in 1965.
He joined the SA Navy (Permanent Force) as a seaman in early 1966 and in April of the same year was selected for officer training and commissioned in 1970.
He served until 2006 and played a major role in the navy.
His lists of achievements are long and distinguished.