In 1939, the clubhouse was requisitioned by HM Government for the duration of the Second World War. It was first used as a WAAF Officers' mess for the Central Interpretation Unit at RAF Medmenham. Later it housed a top-secret unit making important photographic mosaics and models of the future Allied landing beaches in France and planning many raids including the "Dambusters". The clubhouse ended the war on a more peaceful note being used by the American Red Cross as a rest centre for war-weary airmen. On 6 November 1998, Queen Elizabeth II visited the Club before travelling upriver by boat to open the River and Rowing Museum.