An author who documented the history of visiting American forces in and around London since World War I, is coming to High Wycombe on Friday to talk about the history of the RAF Daws Hill base and once-secret bunker.

Sean Kelly, who recently penned ‘Home Bases: US Military Bases In and Around London’, has been asked by High Wycombe Society to give the talk at The Riverside Club in St Mary’s Street.

He said: “Daws Hill was a base which, at one point, pretty much comprised the entire hillside above High Wycombe – from the grounds of Wycombe Abbey school – which was commandeered in a period of just two weeks – right up to Daws Hill Lane.  

“As the base was closed in 2007 and it started to become clear that it was to be sold off and become a site for residential housing, I realised that I didn’t want the critical command role of this location during WWII and even in the Cold War, to be forgotten.

“In essence, it was from High Wycombe that the tasking orders came for the USAAF 8th Air Force Bomber Command – the military unit which had the responsibility for the daylight bombing of Germany during WWII.

“During the Cold War the base became a standby fall-back headquarters for the US European Command.

“Many people who served there formed life-long friendships with people in the community – friendships that continue to this day.”

While most of the base has now been demolished, the bunker, which was constructed in 1942, has been listed for preservation for its “special architectural or historic interest”.

Mr Kelly added: “I was honoured to be asked to come and talk by the High Wycombe Society.

“I tend to do a show-and-tell – so attendees will be able to touch, hold and read various items including WWII newspapers, military locks, and some preserved signage.

“I want people not just to hear about history but to touch it.”

For more information, go to www.highwycombesociety.org.uk.