AN OLD soldier and Second World War veteran has vowed to continue his fight with the Ministry of Defence over pension cash.

As reported in the Evening Press last month, 84-year-old Major Richard Leigh Perkins won two years of pension rebates - but felt he was eligible for another 40 years' worth.

Military pensions granted for medical unfitness "attributable" to service should have been tax free.

A Civil Service blunder missed this ruling and continued deducting tax until the mistake was spotted last year.

Major Perkins, who was discharged from the Army 42 years ago, has received £800 so far.

But he has been told because of his condition when he was discharged - he had a nervous breakdown - he does not qualify for any more money.

Major Perkins, of Front Street, Lastingham, near Pickering, said he will fight the MoD as far as is necessary.

He said today: "I have no intention and certainly have no money to sue the MoD. I hope it won't come to that, except as a last resort.

"The point I am making is that the Ministry is doing something illegal. It is against an Act of Parliament."

Maj Perkins joined the Royal Marines in the 1930s.

During the Second World War he took part in the Burmese Chindit operations behind Japanese lines.

He stayed in the army after the war, joining the Royal Leicestershires.

But he suffered a nervous breakdown in 1959 and was discharged.

He says the breakdown was caused by victimisation from a senior officer who wanted a friend in Major Perkins' post.

He said: "I have no doubt the money is owed to me. The law is clear cut and by discussing my state of fitness the Ministry is merely playing games."

Updated: 11:39 Monday, February 25, 2002