RAF pilots and civilians remembered at outdoor service at wartime intelligence base

ABOUT 60 people attended the third annual “wild church” remembrance service on Sunday, writes Chloe Plummer.

The ceremony took place in the grounds of Danesfield House in Medmenham, which played a vital role in the Second World War as the centre for interpretation of reconnaissance photographs.

More than 1,700 civilians were stationed there, including archaeologists, geologists and people who were good at detail.

The service was led by Rev Sue Morton, associate priest for the Hambleden Valley group of churches, who welcomed guests, veterans and cadets,

She said: “It is wonderful to see you all here in the grounds of Danesfield House as we gather before God at this special service to commemorate and to remember those who worked here during the war and were involved in the secret world of photographic interpretation. Their stories are fascinating.” There was a moment of silence before she led the crowd in a prayer.

Rev Morton said: “We praise and thank those who denied themselves and laid down their lives for their friends. Grant to those who are remembered today that their names may be written in your book of light and for us to remember them, we pray you will give us grace.”

She encouraged everyone to take in their surroundings of the Chiltern Hills and the River Thames below.

She said: “I would like to invite you to look around you and imagine stepping back about 80 years in time.

“The surroundings may not look different to how they did then, particularly as you look down the river, which has been flowing in times of peace and in times of conflict, in sunshine and in rain. Soldiers would have limped home from dogfights, using the river as a landmark.” The crowd then sang The Airmen’s Hymn and Rev Morton said: “We trust God to watch over all airmen.”

She then explained the historical significance of the area.

Rev Morton said: “RAF Medmenham was ahead of its time as many of the personnel were women who were treated as equals or even superior to their male colleagues, which was unheard of at the time.

“Many weddings and unions took place here in the war due to the people being stationed here together and many an international wedding took place at Hambleden church.”

The Prime Minister Winston Churchill visited Danesfield House during the war and his daughter stayed there and worked as a photo inspector.

Photographs were taken by RAF pilots and the film would be developed at RAF Benson before being taken to Medmenham to be interpreted. Maps were then created by hand at Hughenden House under Operation Hillside. These stations were key for understanding the enemy’s position.

Rev Morton singled out Flying Officer Constance Babbington-Smith, who was in the Women’s Auxiliary Airforce and aged just 27 when the war broke out.

She deciphered photographs and worked with stereoscopes and a jeweller’s glass to analyse images.

Constance spotted scorch marks on a grass patch, which confirmed that Germany had developed a twin-engine jet. She also noticed a rocket-like object at the same site later that year.

Rev Morton was interrupted during her speech as a Spitfire flew overhead and looped twice as the crowd waved, cheered and clapped.

Retired squadron leader Paddy Gallagher read an extract from the Bible, Micah 4:3-4.

Rev Morton continued: “Where do we find our peace and hope? Blessed are the peacemakers and they will be called the children of God.

“As we remember them in front of God, may we find and nurture peace in our own world.”

Oscar Deakins, a Royal Marine cadet, read The Exhortation, to which the crowd said in unison: “We will remember them.”

As the Last Post was played over a speaker, everyone fell silent for a moment’s reflection.

Angus Timblicka-Statham, a Royal Marine cadet, led a prayer before the audience sang God is Our Strength and Refuge.

Rev Morton concluded the service by thanking people for attending.

She said: “Go forth into the world with peace, go with courage, hold fast that which is good, render to no one evil for evil, strength in the faint-hearted, support the weak, help the afflicted and show love to everyone.”