Squadron Standard Presentation
Th
ursday 24 November
2011
During 208 Sqn’s 95 years of service it has been honoured with 2 previous Standards, the first of which was presented on 18 November 1955 by the founding CO of the Sqn, Air Vice-Marshal Sir Geoffrey Bromet KCB CB DSO RAF (Retd) at Abu Suier in Egypt. The original standard was eventually replaced on 1 June 1984 during a parade at RAF Lossiemouth in the presence of Air Marshal Sir Humphrey Edward-Jones KCB CBE DFC AFC BA RAF (Retd). It was this second standard that was replaced during a parade at RAF Valley on Thursday 24th November 2011 after nearly 28 years of uninterrupted service.
The day of t
he presentation dawned mild
but extremely blustery as the staff of 208 Sqn conducted their last dress rehearsal before awaiting the arrival of the reviewing officer, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton KCB ADC BSc FRAeS CCMI RAF. The parade not only marked an important event for 208 Sqn but also saw the disbandment of 19 Sqn and the rededication of the IV Sqn standard as they take on the mantle of operating the Hawk TMK2. The CAS arrived in a Royal Sqn HS125 at 1300 and made his way into the Moran Building to greet the staff and guests of all three Sqns for a buffet lunch.
By 1400 
the invited guests were in position 
for the start of the parade. The Central Band of the RAF led the procession with an exemplary performance given the inclement conditions and over the next 40 mins both the 208 Sqn and the IV Sqn standards were uncased and marched past the reviewing officer. As the Standards were marched off the parade square the standard bearers had to contend with some very high winds which they did very well to cope with as it looked likely that we may need our fourth Standard in short order! With the ceremonies complete the staff and guests alike beat a hasty retreat to 208 Sqn for some well earned refreshments and opportunity to look over the Sqn’s history or chat about the old days.
