Dozens of RAF veterans gathered at Danesfield House to celebrate the force’s centenary as part of the Love Marlow festival. 

Organised by former RAF officer Paddy Gallaugher, the event saw around 70 Bomber Command Cadets come together for afternoon tea to mark the milestone.

The event was particularly poignant as Danesfield was requisitioned as a base to develop the intelligence Section of the Royal Air Force (Reconnaissance and Photography Section) in 1941.

The property remained in the hands of the RAF until 1977 when it was sold to Carnation Foods to be used as its corporate headquarters.

Mr Gallaugher said: “The response has been overwhelming, with many old airmen from World War Two expressing an interest in joining their colleagues and more recent gunners at a commemorative event.

“We are very thankful to Danesfield House for providing the airmen afternoon tea and making this possible. The hotel is very proud of its links with the RAF.”

Young cadets Pheobe Litterin and Saren Mason met 99-year-old Mary Ward, WW2 Mapping Clerk at RAF Linton on Ouse.

New Marlow mayor Chris Funnell also attended, alongside former mayor Jocelyn Towns.