I ADMIRE Alvin Williams' weekly commentary. He presents his subjects clearly and supports his opinions with well-researched facts and figures.

My purpose in writing this letter is to refer to his column in the Mid-Ocean News of November 7. He describes at length the wartime contributions made by black Bermudian volunteers in the world wars, and writes: "I return to a theme that I have touched on every year at this time since I launched this column . . . It is unfortunate that not too much has been recorded about the black Bermudian contributions in those conflicts."

He is, of course, absolutely right. When has this side of our history been so steadfastly overlooked?

I have probably written more on the individual experiences of Bermudians at war than anyone else. As almost all are about white Bermudian war veterans who served overseas, I do not wish Mr. Williams or anyone else to draw any wrong racial conclusions about why I do so.

As most will have realised, the majority of those I write about are former members of the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps, in which I also served before going overseas.

As it would have been impossible for me to expand my efforts to include all veterans, of whatever colour, I had to limit my selection. I decided to confine my efforts to the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps, plus periodically including a few others with Bermudian affiliations.

I think I speak for all BVRC veterans that, regardless of what military branch we served in overseas, the BVRC will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

My efforts are purely voluntary.

I do not get paid for any of the tributes (to veterans still living) for the Mid-Ocean News, or for the obituaries published by The Royal Gazette. I have no wish to "make money" by writing of the experiences of those who served or died for our country. They were, and those remaining still are, my friends and wartime comrades.

The editors of both newspapers were receptive and encouraging with my project from the beginning, and generously supplied whatever space I need.

It takes a great deal of time to produce a living tribute or an obituary. For me, it requires at least three drafts: the first with basic information; a revised one, then the final draft.

Research for obituaries can often be difficult. Vital information may be forgotten or missing. It usually involves contacting a number of relatives and friends. Yet, it's surprising what you do with patience and perseverance.

A tribute calls for an initial interview with the veteran, and at least one more for accuracy and his approval of the final draft.

I have never regarded any of the foregoing as a "chore". It is something I enjoy doing for former comrades and their families.

It has concerned me that only Curator Charlotte Andrews and Dr. Clarence Maxwell of the Bermuda Maritime Museum, and very very occasionally someone else, have made any serious attempt to record the experiences of so many black Bermudian war veterans.

There should never have been any need for Alvin Williams annually to point out this deficiency and appeal for help.

There are any number of competent black writers who could have volunteered their assistance. Not to mention some of the most prolific writers of letters-to-the-editor.

The Bermuda College could have considered student assignments for literary credit. I would gladly have explained to any of them what it involves. A side benefit is that it may have led some students to decide on writing careers.

Years ago, I visited the Bermuda Militia Artillery Club, hoping one or more of their members might be interested in recording the deeds of their comrades. None came forward.

However, there is still a little time left, as Curator Andrews and Dr. Maxwell are proving. But there is precious little, and none to waste. Only a handful of war veterans remain.

Right after World War Two, the BVRC Overseas Association had around 270 members, including some from the First World War. Only 20 of us remain.

As long as I live and am able, I shall consider it an honour to tell their stories and give them the best "send-off" we can.

T.C. (TOMMY) AITCHISON

President

The BVRC Overseas Association