The venue was an appropriate one, as the museum is based at the famous Battle of Britain Airfield, formerly RAF Tangmere.
Henry Allingham, who celebrates his 109th birthday on D-Day, June 6, is the oldest surviving World War I veteran, having joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915, before the formation of the RAF.
Henry Allingham is issued with a pilots helmet by Nick Berryman at the Tangmere
He was joined at the social gathering by Squadron Leader Neville Duke, president of the museum, and Flight Lieutenant Nick Berryman, who are both 82.
Squadron Leader Duke, currently the longest-surviving RAF fighter ace, has been flying continuously for more than 60 years.
Full report in April 14 issue of the Chichester Observer
