Hunter 1965 - 1971 (6)

Ruler’s Visit


There were the inevitable high powered visits to punctuate the squadron's routine. Here the Ruler of Bahrain HH Sheikh Isa Bin Sulaiman al Khalifa visited the station [22]. Our revered and much loved Station Commander at the time, Gp Capt Twinkle Storey, assisted by Fg Off Witney Griffiths( one of our

2 JPs from New Zealand) showing His Highness the Hunters weaponry. There followed a very smart flypast celebrating HH's birthday.


AOCs


This is Fg Off Pete Excell, the then Engineering Officer, escorting the AOC with the Boss, Sqn Ldr Tony Chaplin, looking incredibly smart in line astern [24].


Visit of the Crown Prince of Ras al Khaima


This is [25] the Crown Prince of Ras al Khaima on a visit to the station (Sharjah) being strapped into the two seat Hunter T7 by Fg Off John Henson – and here after the flight with his escort and squadron pilots [26].



DETACHMENTS AND DEPLOYMENTS


ADEN


While 208 was now permanently based at Muharraq frequent detachments and deployments to Aden  continued right up until independence Day. At one stage 208 was detaching operational pilots to re-inforce the Khormaksar squadrons on operations up in the Dhala Road and Yemeni border, while they sent some of their newly arrived JPs from the OCU at Chivenor up to 208 for plenty of good flying continuity, plus training in all roles, tactics and weaponry required of a fast jet ground attack pilot looking towards the RAF's new front line aircraft. The whole squadron was involved in two huge formation Balbo's together with RN fighters from carriers off Aden as a show of force at the time of the Crater insurgencies. Until Mad Mitch and the Argyles marched in and “sorted it”.

…...continued

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