Peter Shorthouse was the second of three sons of John Stephen Shorthouse and Marguerite Shorthouse (nee Gargrave). His older brother, John Sidney Shorthouse (born 11 April 1920) served with the Royal Air Force and the Royal New Zealand Air Force during World War 2. His younger brother, Robert Clive (born 9 August 1922) served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in the Middle East.

Eric Peter Shorthouse was known by his second name, Peter. The family do not recall why this is so.

From the time Peter Shorthouse qualified as a pilot his brother notes that all his service, including training, operations and active tour of duties accumulates to a total of 12 weeks after allowances for illness and other mishaps.

Peter had one flying accident and shot down one enemy aircraft in this time and showed a remarkably strong devotion to duty. During this time he was awarded both the DFC and m.i.d. Normally these awards would not be given in this fashion but were awarded in this case because of the exceptional quality and selflessness of service given, where the exceptional became the norm. It is most unusual to see a Pilot Officer with a DFC and an m.i.d. and is a reflection on the level of service given. From a letter to the Armoury Manager, Auckland War Memorial Museum by Mr R C Shorthouse.

Peter Shorthouse was attached to No. 15 Fighter Squadron. This squadron was formed in June 1942 and disbanded in October 1945. It flew Kittyhawks, 1942-44 and Corsairs, 1944-45. It was stationed in Tonga, Cuadalcanal, New Georgia, Santo, Bougainville and Green Island between 1942 and 1945.

His flight to Fiji was aboard RNZAF C47 NZ3503 of No. 40 Squadron.

Killed in action due to engine failure AWMM