Sebastian Cox, who has been involved in military history and heritage since the 1980s, has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours.

The current head of the Air Historical Branch in the Ministry of Defence is the only person who has held the role without having military service, and is one of nine people to hold the position since the branch’s inception in 1918.

He and his wife, a primary school teacher, have lived in Whetstone for more than 30 years.

The AHB is the RAF’s “internal history office” and helps provide historical support to the government and the RAF, as well as publishing books and providing certain resources for members of the public.

Mr Cox said he was “delighted” to be honoured in this year’s list

He said: “It’s recognition for my colleagues in the Branch as well as me and recognises the important work we do in recording the RAF’s history and making it accessible to today’s Air Force.”

Mr Cox worked at the RAF Museum in Hendon after completing his masters degree in War Studies at Kings College in 1982, before joining the AHB in September 1984.

The father-of-two rose up the ranks and has been head of the branch since May 1996.