The land on which the soccer field and athletic track is located previously belonged to Mr Hyles. He used it as farmland before it was chosen by the Australian Government as the site to build the HQJOC which is responsible for the planning and conduct of Australia's global military operations and joint exercises.

Son Bruce Hyles said his father would be absolutely amazed at the turn of events.

"My father wouldn't believe it. He was a very a quiet and unassuming person," Bruce said.

"He was a very popular fellow. He was a great father to his three children ... he was a great bloke."

The naming of the facility's main sports oval recognises Mr Hyles' service with the Australian Imperial Force and his accomplishments as a sportsman.

Mr Hyles enlisted in 1916 at 23-years-old before he served in several artillery units, including the 5th Field Artillery Brigade, during World War I.

For his military service, Mr Hyles was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

Bruce, 85, said his father would be so pleased that their former farming land was being used for a sports oval.

He described his father as a keen cricket, tennis and golf player who had even built his own tennis court and golf course during his lifetime.

And he said it was a privilege to be invited into HQJOC for the naming ceremony.

"When you first drive in there's a magnificent sports field ... it looks beautiful and green and for it to be called the Walter Roy Hyles Field is quite amazing really," he said.