PETER Ewart Robinson, MBE, US Legion of Honour, a resident of Sale, has died at the age of 83.

Peter served in the army from the age of 16, and took part in several conflicts in the 20th century. His medals include those for Japan Occupation, UN Korean War medal, post war Malaya GSM, British Korea medal 1st issue and US Legion of Honour. Peter was very proud to have served this country.

As a token of gratitude and respect he received a war veteran medal from a South Korean General and was awarded a Certificate making him an Ambassador of Peace in 1993. The South Korean President Kim Yong Sam also gave him a medal for his part in co-ordinating British landings in the Far East conflict. Someone said he couldn’t take his medals with him, so he had them tattooed on his chest.

After his military career ended, Peter spent a short spell in Australia and New Zealand; on leaving New Zealand, Peter met wife Wenna on a Russian Cruise ship – they were married for 50 years. He subsequently returned to the UK where he worked for 30 years for the Daily Express in Manchester – he retired in 1989. He owned a six berth cruiser on the Bridgewater Canal where he became commodore of the Sale Cruising Club.

Peter’s dedicated charity work was recognised by the Queen who awarded him the MBE for his achievement in raising money to train 60 guide dogs.Tthis was done by collecting and recycling stamps a remarkable achievement when one considers that £36,000 is required to train one dog.

His Godfather was Alistair Cooke, which he said “opened a lot of doors in America”. He visited the White House and met President Clinton and having found out what he did for the charity, the President arranged for Peter to receive the US Legion of Honour.

He appears in many text books including “The Army's Navy – British Military Vessels and their History since Henry VIII – G D (David) Habesch.

His cousin, Sue Robinson said: “It was a great privilege and a pleasure to have known this exceptional man.”