The Wandsworth Guardian has come a step closer to fulfilling a not-so-secret mission to ensure the life of Wandsworth’s most famous spy - who was also the inspiration for James Bond - is commemorated.

Lionel “Buster” Crabb who lived at 4 Greyswood Street, Tooting, was a well-known decorated war hero and navy commander.

Crabb was also a spy, and on April 19, 1956, was on a secret mission to inspect the hull of a Russian boat.

But, in what remains one of the most intriguing tales of the Cold War, he never returned.

Bond creator, Ian Fleming, hailed Crabb as one of the inspirations behind his 007 superspy character, and, on the centenary of his birth earlier this year, the Wandsworth Guardian and Tooting Sea Cadets launched a campaign to get a plaque erected to celebrate his life.

A spokeswoman for conservation body, English Heritage, confirmed a request for a blue plaque (to be placed at his Tooting home) would be discussed at a plaque panel meeting in June.

If approved, it could be three years before the plaque is placed.

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