Crowds lined the Thames to see the nine Hawk jets fly up the river in formation with four Typhoons, the RAF’s latest fighters.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown interrupted his monthly press conference to thank the RAF for its 90 years of service. He said: “We are all familiar with their proudest moment in the Battle of Britain, but their commitment and bravery over the whole 90 years are a credit to all those who have served and continue to serve.”

As the Red Arrows released their plumes of smoke over London Bridge, the last surviving founding member of the RAF, World War One veteran Henry Allingham, celebrated the anniversary at the age of 111 at RAF Odiham, Hants.

Mr Allingham, Britain’s oldest man, took his maiden flight over the North Sea three years before the RAF was formed.

He said: “It was freezing with the wind in your face and nothing but a small windshield. But I remember getting back on the ground and just itching to take off again.”