The beginning of April heralded the fortieth birthday of the Royal Air Force and the third birthday of EOKA, neither side however volunteered any presents. A week later though, the night’s peace was shattered by an explosion advertising the activity of “the other side”. The following morning it was discovered that a pipe bomb had been placed outside a hangar and had damaged the Squadron Commander’s aircraft and holed a number of drop tanks. The subsequent zealous search for further bombs by the RAF Regiment resulted in the sand-bagging and attempted removal of a tin of paint, a jack-handle and a practice bomb! Shortly after this incident the Squadron moved to Akrotiri as repairs were due to the Nicosia runway. At Akrotiri life went on apace and the superior living accommodation and swimming facilities were enjoyed by all.
During May an Anglo-American exercise of all units in the Eastern Mediterranean was held, 208’s contribution being the defence of Cyprus. The main threat came from “Demons” and “Crusaders” of the U.S. 6th Fleet. This proved to be excellent experience in air combat for the pilots and great spectator value for the rest of the Station. The Squadron also received considerable public acclaim in the local newspapers for its successful efforts in combat with the Americans.
pilots. The Sapphire Hunter was only used as a temporary measure until the Squadron received its new Hunter Mk 6’s, however, though less powerful it was adequate for the initial training in the DFGA role. The first of the new Hunter Mk 6’s was received in February and on 21st March the Hunters found themselves in Nicosia, established as the official 208 Squadron, where they immediately settled down to work and “Battle Flight”.