spoken to the aircrew on Good Friday - some 2 days into the Easter stand down and, secondly (and perhaps disappointingly) I am unaware of any member of the Squadron who ordered a copy, The comments from ‘RAF insiders' quoted in The Sun did not come from 208 Squadron pilots, but were taken directly from an unofficial internet website from individuals who were, evidently (by the content of those comments), unaware of the facts. I have never claimed that the badge ‘upset women’ and I have never uttered the words ‘gender offensive’ (in fact, The Sun did not speak to me on this issue at all - I was on leave at the time). Also, far from being ‘furious’, ‘shocked’ or ‘outraged’ I have had strong support from within the Squadron for my decision to replace the ‘Naked Lady’ with something more fully reflective of the our history and more appropriate to our current training role. Lastly, I have not ‘axed’ the badge (as claimed by The Sun) because I ‘thought it politically incorrect’. However, the badge is completely at adds with the RAF’s Equal Opportunities policy, which is to achieve universal acceptance and application of a working environment free from harassment, intimidation and unlawful discrimination. It is also counter to the Squadron's current training remit to treat each individual fairly, with dignity and respect, and without prejudice. After equally lurid headlines in the same newspaper, I doubt that I need to elaborate on the legal consequences in the modem era of forcing an individual to wear an emblem that reinforces that individual’s inferiority in the organisation, and comprises a picture of a naked woman (straddling another object) with the word ‘penetrate` underneath. After a number of ‘friendly’ warnings, I know where my responsibilities lie. Notwithstanding the glorious chapter of Squadron history that the badge r
epresents, it is time to move on.
In May, the Squadron appeared in The Sun once again, but this time it was the Toronto Sun, which covered our visit to Canada to meet Flt Lt Henry Botterell, the only known surviving fighter pilot from WWI, and an ex-member of 208 Squadron. The Sunday Times (13th May) also reported our visit, and our chance discovery of Henry Botterell as a result of the fine art print ‘Balloon Buster' by the aviation artist, Robert Taylor.
Association members may also be delighted to know that this year’s solo Hawk display pilot is Flight Lieutenant Peter Sharpe, a senior instructor on 208 Squadron. Pete began his season in May after a comprehensive work up, and is due to perform at some 33 venues this year. Details of Pete’s display, and his schedule of events can be found on the RAF Valley website: www.rafvalley.org. This website will also provide a useful medium for communicating details of the current Squadron and its illustrious history to a wide audience. It currently contains no more than a ‘standard page’ about 208 but, with a little help, I hope to expand this into a comprehensive database to include a section on the Association and projects such as the Miniature Medals Collection (now superceded by this Website! - Webmaster).
Lastly, as you will also find advertised on the RAF Valley website, the Station is due to hold an open day and international airshow on Saturday 18th August 2001.
epresents, it is time to move on.
