AN airman who received a Distinguished Flying Medal after the Second World War has died at his home in Kidderminster, aged 83.

Fred Parsons, of Snowdon Close, was an RAF rear gunner in 9 Squadron, which was involved in Bomber Command's operations against German targets during the war.

Mr Parsons, who leaves his wife, two grown-up children and three grandchildren, joined Bomber Command in December, 1941 after volunteering and completing his training in Canada.

The airman was one of more than 100,000 young men, all volunteers, who flew with Bomber Command in the Second World War.

In 1942, he was posted to Canada and began a tour of operations which included a raid on Cologne in 1943.

During the raid he was attacked by a night fighter and lost an engine but, fortunately, was able to return to his base, unhurt.

Nearly all Mr Parsons's war operations were in Germany, including Dortmund, Dusseldorf and Munich, except one in 1943, which took place in Milan, Italy.

After his tour of operations finished, with a raid on Berlin in November, 1943, he returned to Kidderminster but did not forget about the people he met.

Mrs Parsons said: "He was always in contact with his crew. They were like a family and they used to meet up."

The crew of 9 squadron was recognised for a Distinguished Flying Medal and Mr Parsons collected his award from Buckingham Palace with his wife and mother.

He then took a ground staff administrative position but, unknown to his wife, he re-joined Bomber Command, in April, 1945, and was preparing to do another tour of operations in 277 Squadron when the war ended. This was only discovered after a friend read his RAF logbook.

Mr Parsons, who died on May 21, was also a keen cricket fan.

He used to play in his spare time and watch games across the country.

His wife of 61 years, Iris, said: "He loved his cricket and was a very good fast bowler. That was our life when the children were growing up."

Mr Parsons's funeral was held on Tuesday last week.