Centenary Celebrations 03
However, no-one need to have worried as, precisely on time the formation roared out of the murky gloom. Again, those visitors who had buttoned up against the cold, wind and driving rain were treated to an impressive display of formation flying, albeit the crews were evidently battling against extreme turbulence. After 3 formation changes and loops around the airfield, the formation repositioned for a simulated airfield attack and then, perhaps the most difficult manoeuvre of the day considering the conditions, a 6-ship echelon run and break to land.
With the aircraft safely taxied in and engines shut down, the Graduation celebrations began in earnest with the traditional champagne reception for the crews. This was the opportunity for friends and family to take photographs with the Squadron pilots, the graduates and their aircraft. However, perhaps the most poignant of all was the final salute and toast by the aircrew at the end of the last ever Tactical Weapons sortie to be flown by 208 (Reserve) Squadron, and the of the Hawk Chapter in 208 Squadron’s glorious history.
