A war hero who has terminal cancer is fighting his final battle in a bid to get a Second World War award.

With only months to live, Gordon Mansbridge, of Kings Road, South Harrow, has been denied the Bomber Command clasp – a fastening recognising airmen that is worn on the ribbon of the 1939-45 Star medal – because he did not carry out his duties from Britain, but from bases in Italy.

The Prime Minister announced the introduction of the clasp in December 2012 following Sir John Holmes’ independent review of military medals.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) opened applications for the clasp in February 2013 based on strict eligibility criteria but the 90-year-old former navigator was turned down, and last week won the support of his local MP, Gareth Thomas (Labour).

Gordon on his 90th birthday.
Mr Mansbridge’s son Adrian said: “I really hope that we can get this clasp in time.

“It seems unfair that the guys were all doing the same job, just flying out from different bases.

“At first it wasn’t really explained to us why it was turned down last March, they just told us that he did not qualify. We appealed and re-appealed.

“We have been campaigning for all of the boys, they all did the same.

“It doesn’t matter from where, they should all be treated the same.”

Adrian’s father volunteered to join the RAF in 1942 and flew his first mission in 1943.

The airman was shot down on his 33rd mission in June 1944 and evaded capture in Italy for nine months.

On leaving the RAF he became an engineer, and has lived in Harrow since 1950. He is married to wife Sylvia, 92.

Mr Thomas MP raised Mr Mansbridge’s case in the House of Commons on Thursday in order to exert pressure on the MoD.

He said: “Will the Leader of the House look into the case of my constituent, Gordon Mansbridge, who is 90 and has terminal cancer?

“He flew some 33 Wellington bomber missions from an Italian air base during the Second World War.

“Sir John Holmes is investigating the possibility of recognition in the form of a medal clasp, but that review is not likely to be completed until the end of the year.

“Given the circumstances of my constituent, might the Right Honorable Gentleman explore with the MoD whether that could be speeded up?”

Mr Thomas told the Observer afterwards: “Mr Mansfield is a very brave man who deserves recognition. I am happy to hopefully help speed up the process and really hope that he receives his medal.”

An MoD spokeswoman confirmed to the Observer that the eligibility for clasps was under review by former diplomat Sir John.

The Bomber Command Clasp to the 1939-45 Star is granted to the aircrew of Bomber Command who served for at least 60 days, or completed a tour of operations, on a Bomber Command operational unit and flew at least one operational sortie on a Bomber Command operational unit between September 3, 1939 and May 8, 1945 inclusive.