Herbert Tatem was just 16 years old when he found himself manning a machine gun at St. David's, guarding Bermuda against the Nazis. Now 85, he is still waiting for the benefits to which he is entitled for six years of service on the home front during World War Two.

For decades, veterans who defended the Island rather than serving overseas were not recognised for their efforts ¿ a situation addressed earlier this year when Government announced they would be entitled to newly-increased pension payments along with those who served abroad. The announcement placed heavy emphasis on the fact that black war veterans ¿ some of whom were denied payments because of their race and others because they served at home ¿ would finally be paid what they are due. Mr. Tatem (pictured), from Paget, said that as a white veteran who served with the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps, the Bermuda Volunteer Engineers, the Royal Navy at HMS Malabar and at Admiralty House, he did not initially realise that he too was now entitled to a veteran's pension. When he finally became aware of his rights, he submitted a claim "a few months ago" but has heard nothing since. He continues to hope he will get his money soon.

"It's a big deal as far as I'm concerned. All I wanted was to be recognised as a volunteer in my six years. We've not had anything. We weren't recognised. One of the chaps who went overseas was a good buddy of mine. He's an overseas volunteer and I'm a landlubber but I think we probably did as much good as he did," he said.

"We've not had anything all these years and I'm reaching a point now where I might not be needing it much longer. I'm gone 85 and it's a bit annoying mainly because we've not been recognised. It's been a bit of an annoying undercurrent for me."

Mr. Tatem explained that the pension payment ¿ doubled in the same announcement by Government to $800 ¿ would make a difference.

"If I got payments of $800 per month that would do me quite well. I have savings but four years ago I had a stroke and an aneurysm and the medical bill was $118,000. That left a great hole, and every month my savings are down a bit further. Every month the little savings I have reduce. All I need is some other sickness and it will be gone," he said.