I wonder how many of his friends knew that Pete Perinchief 's given name is Sheldon Leon. As president of the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps Overseas Association, I've sent many of our newsletters over the years to "Mr. Peter". Providing an additional name or nickname is an old Bermuda custom.

Pete and I knew each other for most of our lives. We lived nearby as children and remained very good friends. Above all, there is the deep and special comradeship shared by all of us who served overseas as volunteers during several wars - in some cases giving our lives.

At the time of Pete's death, at the age of 82, two well written comprehensive tributes appeared in the local newspapers. They praised the tremendous contributions Pete had made in the fields of photography and sports fishing.

His years as the principal photographer with the Bermuda News Bureau were a major factor in promoting Bermuda as a tourist resort. His work in developing Bermuda as a world class centre for angling and big game fishing were nothing short of monumental. In both fields, he gave significant new meaning to the words "in depth', as they applied to knowledge, efficiency and outreach.

But here, I want us to remember his patriotic military service during the Second World War. He served from the war's first day (September 3, 1939) until Germany and its infamous Axis partners were defeated in 1945, and beyond.

During service with the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps in Bermuda, Pete volunteered to go overseas. His chosen branch was the Royal Air Force. His father, Leon Perinchief , a prominent Bermudian pharmacist, had served during the First World War, with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps attaining the rank of sergeant.

Pete especially wanted to become a pilot and follow in the footsteps of his uncle. Flying Officer Hewson Perinchief of the RAF Bomber Command.

Like most war veterans, Pete had always hesitated to talk about his wartime experiences, especially if he thought they were for publications. However, my perseverance finally paid off when we had lunch a year ago, sadly for what proved to be our last time.

Pete received his education at Saltus Grammar School and Rothesay College in New Brunswick, Canada.

A good organiser and natural leader, his first job was with Archie Brown. Archie soon recognised Pet's potential and appointed him manager of the Hamilton store. At the time, he was one of the youngest store managers in Bermuda.

Active in community affairs, Pete joined the Special Constabulary. He performed guard duties at several key places as war appeared inevitable.

On the morning of September 2, 1939, he was on duty at the Ducking Stool on North Shore. His relief failed to appear. By about noon his father arrived and told him the news from Europe was grave.

The following day war was declared. Pete immediately volunteered for the BVRC . He was assigned as a Vickers machine gunner with B Company.

By January, 1941, realising he was not taking nearly as active a part in the War as he wanted to, Pete next volunteered for overseas service. When nothing transpired, he decided to approach his Company Commander, Captain J.C. Astwood , who arranged an interview for him with Colonel Ambrose Gosling, the BVRC Commanding Officer. Although unable to give Pete further news, the Colonel promised to do what he could to expedite his application.

Pete regarded the delay with growing frustration. Fortuitously, he made significant headway through a chance meeting with the Governor, Lt. General Sir Dennis K. Bernard, KCB CMG DSO. Pete mentioned his problem to His Excellency, who turned out to be a sympathetic listener. As a result, his application resurfaced successfully, and he departed from Bermuda on June 12, 1941 on a Catalina Flying boat. Twenty-one hours later, he landed in Greenock, Scotland, bound for the Royal Air Force.

He was sent for training to Jurby on the Isle of Man with the rank of Aircraftsman First Class. Shortly afterwards, training halted when an accidental explosion destroyed one of the training aircraft as it was trying to manoeuvre at night with very little lights.

At this time, Pete had hopes of being posted to the Middle East. His uncle, Hewson Perinchief was stationed in the Eastern Mediterranean and Pete wanted to meet him, if possible. Tragically their reunion was not to be. Hewson and his crew were reported missing on a raid on Cyprus, and were never heard of again.

Subsequently, Pete was sent to Saskatchewan in Canada to continue pilot training at North Battleford where he met up with Bermudian pilot Martin Smith. However, it was there that Pete's hope of becoming a pilot was shattered. He failed the necessary test of his ability to judge distance. It remained one of the greatest disappointments of his life.

Nevertheless, at once he volunteered to become an air gunner, but the long delay in this phase of his training was so extended, the war ended before he could start serious aircrew training.

Pete Perinchief completed his war service as a Leading Aircraftsman (LAC), responsible for inspecting all parts of the plane. Also, he was assigned to a special mobile defence unit of motor cycles with Vickers machine guns mounted on sidecars.

Some years earlier, he had met Edna Preston of Boston while she was holidaying in Bermuda. they had decided to marry. He earned leave in Canada and hitchhiked all the way to Boston where he and Edna were married.

Pete is survived by Edna, their son, Dr. Peter Perinchief , and daughter, Shelda (Semerjian) ) and their families.

He was a member of the BVRC Overseas Association and the Bermuda War Veterans Association.

All of Bermuda should join Pete Perinchief 's remaining wartime comrades in remembering a distinguished Bermudian and a dedicated soldier and airman, whose life was lived in the true Bermudian tradition of service and achievement.