Both the graduating pilots and current members of the Squadron can be proud of 208's exemplary record.

After service during World War One, the Squadron was remobilised in Ismalia and began an unparalleled 52 years of unbroken service in the Middle East. Indeed, the badges proudly worn by all Squadron members from day-to-day bear testament this period of the Squadron's history. The colours are yellow and sky blue, representing the sand and the sky and the Squadron's history as a desert reconnaissance unit. The Squadron Badge pictures the Giza Sphinx, and the Eye of Horus of Egyptian mythology adorns the tails of Squadron aircraft.


As mentioned earlier, the Squadron served with distinction during World War Two. As recent events have illustrated, the need for reconnaissance in the fight against terrorism is paramount and after the war, 208 Squadron served in a policing role in Palestine and Egypt.


In the 1950s, 208 moved into the jet era, firstly on Meteors and then the much-loved Hunter, and with them arrived blue and yellow fuselage bands.


At the beginning of the 1970s, a British presence east of Suez was no longer required, the Squadron was disbanded and the Standard laid up in the Rotunda of College Hall, Cranwell.


The Squadron reformed in 1974 on a new aircraft, the Buccaneer at RAF Honington. The aircraft's fuselage shape called for a re-think of the Squadron markings, and the blue and yellow arrowhead was born, which can be seen on the Hawks today.


During this period, for the first time in its history, navigators formed part of the aircrew complement, and 208 Squadron was the first British squadron to participate in Exercise Red Flag, flying lower and faster than any other nation's aircraft were able.


Operation PULSATOR in 1983 provided support to the International Peace Keeping Force in Lebanon.

The Squadron's most recent operational experience was in 1991, when Buccaneers were deployed to the Gulf to provide the backbone of the RAF's precision-bombing campaign during the Gulf War. One hundred and seven operational sorties were flown without a single technical mishap.


Following the retirement of the Buccaneer in 1994, the Squadron was disbanded as an operational unit, but reformed as the training unit of today.

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