…... in a mere 8 day period, more than had been flown in the previous month. Finally, to round the overseas training off, 2 Overseas Training Flights were conducted, one to Aalborg and the other to Emmen Airbase, Switzerland by way of a reciprocal visit to see our Swiss friends that we had hosted over the summer.
With disbandment now confirmed as no later than 1 July 16, 
our previously prudent planning to hold the 208(R) Squadron Centenary on 1 April had paid off and it was full steam ahead to make the day not only a fitting tribute to 100 years of flying operations, but also to ensure the day appropriately marked the end of 208(R) Sqn and the end of RAF Hawk T1 flying training. As part of the Centenary, 2 aircraft, XX188 and XX256, had their tails painted in the traditional 208(R) Sqn yellow and blue and had the Giza Sphinx added to pay homage to our history and provide a visual spectacle to commemorate our 100 years. These aircraft were photographed extensively as soon as they were rolled out of the paintshop and form the centrepiece for an article about the Centenary published in Combat Air magazine in May.
Many of you
reading this will have enjoyed the 100th Anniversary and closing celebrations, the big 208(R) Squadron event of the last year which went so very well on 1 April. The Valley wind, as always featured heavily in the day’s events, fortunately it was just in limits to allow the 6 aircraft flypast to go ahead, however it did put an end to the parade. It was great to see so many people on the Squadron and at the lunch, and great to have support from many of the Association such as Graham Pitchfork launching his ‘Forever Vigilant’ Book, Colin Buxton providing presentations and of course Sir Rob providing excellent stewardship throughout. Of the day’s events however, the dining-in night was simply superb. Sitting a grand total of 143 guests, the Officers’ Mess was packed. The staff did an outstanding job with the service and food and the dinner provided a most fitting culmination to an excellent day. The event was but one part of the celebrations, shiny new 208(R) Squadron watches were produced along with Squadron beer, commemorative glassware, t-shirts, keyrings, badges, the list goes on and on. All of this would not have been possible without the hard work of Sqn Ldr ‘Skids’ Harrison and his Centenary team. They worked on the event for 8 months and produced a simply outstanding event, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. I would like to thank him and his team again for organising such a fitting and memorable event as well as thanking all the guests for coming to help celebrate with us here at RAF Valley.
