A wartime pilot celebrated his 100th birthday and gave family and friends a glimpse into his astounding life.

A party for Reginald Bratt, known as Reg, took place at his home in Weymouth and not only celebrated his 100th birthday but the 100th year of the end of the First World War – and the RAF centenary.

Mr Bratt was a keen glider pilot whilst at Cambridge University in the 1930s. He was therefore called up to the RAF in the Second World War. Shortly after basic training, Mr Bratt found himself as the base commander of the Bahrain aerodrome, RAF Bahrain, which was a central logistical and signals hub.

He then went on to RAF Tehran, and is possibly the last man alive who was at the Tehran conference between Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill.

Mr Bratt held the world speed record for the 8 m² class of sailing yacht in 1974. He ran his own engineering business for many years and constructed the bastion on which his house stands. Surrounding areas have been eroded by the sea but his remains protected by his ingenious sea defences constructed in the 1970s and 80s.

The celebration for Mr Bratt was organised by Martin Varley from the Dorset Law Society.

The Queen was represented by Richard Wilkin, deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset. The RAF was represented by Wing Commander Ian Holling, as Mr Bratt was, among other things, commanding officer of RAF Bahrain.

At the party, Mr Bratt recalled: "I may be the last person alive to have seen Stalin drop the Sword of Stalingrad to the floor when it was presented to him. It slipped out of the scabbard onto its bejewelled hilt with such a crash."

Despite admitting he had never been very good at speeches, Mr Bratt made a 20 minute speech at the party, sharing many memories of his life.

Mr Bratt's wife, Oksana Bratt, said: “Reg had a wonderful day. To have Wing Commander Hollings come and represent the colleagues Reg lost in the Second World War was very special."

Mr Varley, president of the Dorset Law Society and also a partner at Humphries Kirk Solicitors, added: “Reg is absolutely astonishing. Without any preparation or a single note, he gave a witty speech for over 20 minutes. He has had an amazing and full life - pilot in the 1930s, RAF station commander, engineer and holder of the world 10m boat speed record for several years.”