WING Commander Harry Watson, an architect of community life in Marlow Bottom, died suddenly this week at the age of 88.

Mr Watson, who manned a radar station in Dover during the Battle of Britain, died on Tuesday from suspected heart failure at his home in Marlow Bottom.

He was an active member of many societies and organisations in Marlow Bottom, including the parish council, the Four Seasons Club, the Barn Club and the Village Hall.

He moved to the Valley in 1948 with his wife Gwynne.

Serving in the RAF for 37 years, Mr Watson travelled the world with his family. He served in Iraq during the Iranian revolution, was posted to the Royal Pakistan Air Force, served in Germany and was Bomber Command at High Wycombe where he worked alongside Bomber Harris.

He began working life as a pageboy in the royal household at 145 Piccadilly, birthplace of the present Queen and Princess Margaret. Among his duties he found himself keeping the princesses amused.

His wife said: "We had a very happy marriage and I have been very lucky. We have lived in the oddest of places and done many silly things, too many things to mention. Our time was very happy and I am going to be sadly put out. He was a jolly man, very friendly, just a very nice person."

Mr Watson was also a founder member of the Arthritis Care Riverside Branch in Marlow and the Valley Players drama group. He was also the driving force behind creating playing fields for Burford School, saving the land from housing developers.

He leaves his wife, three sons, eight grandchildren and a great grandchild.

He will be buried at St Mary's Church in Marlow Bottom on May 3.