A NEW book will rubbish claims that a Swindon SAS man killed in the first Gulf War died a coward.

Mike Coburn, a surviving member of the ill-fated Bravo Two Zero patrol, will publish his version of events in March after a five year battle with the Ministry of Defence, which has tried to gag him.

The book is expected to attack the Government and clear the name of fellow patrol member, Swindon born Vince Phillips, whose family says has been portrayed as weak and cowardly by other authors.

And now his mother, Veronica, 73, says he can finally rest in peace.

After the 1991 war, the family were told that Vince died of hypothermia as the scud-hunting patrol attempted to flee pursuers across the desert in sub-zero temperatures.

The mission was made famous by Chris Ryan and the patrol commander Andy McNab, who both wrote best-selling accounts of their experiences.

But Vince's family have always stated that both books do not tell the full truth particularly Chris Ryan's The One That Got Away, which suggests that Vince was not up to the job.

Now they say they are delighted that Coburn is finally set to put the record straight with the long-awaited publication of Soldier Five, which will hit the shelves in March.

Mrs Phillips said: "I am absolutely over the moon. Vince died a hero and at last he can rest in peace.

"Chris and Andy betrayed my son. He was definitely no coward. Mark has worked so hard to get that book published he has even sold half his home as well as personal belongings to do it."

Vince's dad, Jim, who died three years ago of cancer aged 67, devoted the last years of his life trying to clear his son's name.

"I remember him throwing Chris Ryan's book across the room he was that upset," said Mrs Phillips.

"Vince and his dad were so close, that is why he joined the regiment he wanted to make him proud and prove to him that he was strong."

Vince's brother Jeff, 46, who lives in Castle Dore in Freshbrook, is adamant the stress was responsible for his father's early death.

He said: "Even the doctors said that it was brought on by what happened to my brother."

Jeff says his main anger is directed at Chris Ryan, who has never once apologised for the upset that his book has caused.

"In the weeks after The One That Got Away was published my father and I received a letter from Andy McNab apologising for the hurt that Chris Ryan's book has caused," he said.

"But we have had nothing from Chris at all."

Jeff, who says he has suffered three breakdowns, now hopes the publication will help ease his family's pain.

"I think Mike is great. He says he wants to put the record straight and help to get Vince properly recognised.

"I have been in contact with him, mostly by email, for the past six years and I'm over the moon.

"The MoD have spent £3.5 million trying to stop this book but they have failed."

Kevin Shoesmith