Former soldiers who defended Bermuda during the Second World War were treated to a free lunch yesterday — with many noting wryly that it was more than they had received over the last six decades for their wartime efforts.

Public Safety Minister David Burch and Finance Minister Paula Cox hosted the meal in the grounds of Camden, the Premier's official residence in the Botanical Gardens, in an attempt to ensure that all ex-servicemen who served on the Island between 1939 and 1945 will get the increased pension payments they are due.

Many Islanders who served in Bermuda's armed forces and in the home guard during the war have never received a penny from Government.

But the law was changed earlier this year to entitle all former soldiers to a war pension. The monthly amount was also increased from $400 to $800. Those attending yesterday were able to complete applications to get their rightful benefits.

Holric Stirling, 84, from Devonshire, served in the Bermuda Militia Infantry after he was conscripted as a teenager. He said of the new payments: "It's been a long time coming. I think it's a good idea. By rights, we deserve it."

Philip Lamb, 85, of St. David's, served in the Bermuda Militia Artillery (BMA) and later the Royal Air Force. He survived a German raid on his barracks in England and still bears the scars on his right leg. "It's been 60 years we've waited for this money," said the retired customs officer. "It's been very unfair."

Earl Darrell, 82, from Warwick, also served in the BMA, here and overseas. He said the lack of benefits for veterans for the past 62 years was "outrageous, of course". "What was happening with all that money, all that time?" he said. "Where did it go?"

Herbert Tatem, 85, of Paget, signed up for service on the Island aged 16 after pretending to officers that he was a year older. The father-of-seven said he received a cheque for "47 pounds and some shillings" when the war ended. His first payment since then arrived last Friday. "I never knew there was one available," he said.

Sen. Burch told The Royal Gazette that the increased payments and a backdated sum of $5,600 from April should be with the former servicemen by the end of this month. He said the lunch was an information-gathering exercise but was also about fellowship between the veterans.

"We are trying to right a wrong," he said. "I accept all the criticism about 62 years and all of that but today really is a day of celebration."

He added that Government was unable to backdate payments before April this year due to financial regulations.