Anniversary Special with RAF No.208 Squadron at Valley

I can hardly believe that this latest edition of Aerodrome marks the first birthday of our aviation-related blog. From humble beginnings, we have attempted to bring you interesting and topical aviation stories and articles over the past twelve months and I have to say that it has been a privilege to be involved in establishing this regular blog. Aerodrome now benefits from its own dedicated section on both the Airfix and Corgi websites, with a major benefit being that each new edition is added to the existing Aerodrome blog bank, which are all available for anyone to access at any time. This has been one of the most important features of Aerodrome, which continues to increase its readership figures with each new edition.

As the creator of Aerodrome, I really have put my heart and soul into producing engaging aviation subject matter for our readers and trying to develop the blog to be a stand-alone indulgence in the fascinating subject of aviation. I sincerely hope that I have managed to achieve this and that you have found some of the Aerodrome features interesting – you have all been part of its development and I thank everyone who was kind enough to send messages of support, provide feedback and to spread the Aerodrome word, amongst fellow enthusiasts. As always, if you have any suggestions for future Aerodrome subject matter, please do get in touch with us, using any of the contact details displayed at the end of this latest edition.

For the occasion of Aerodrome’s first birthday, we had to try and bring you something a little special and with this in mind, I was dispatched to RAF Valley on the Isle of Anglesey on Friday 1st April,  to attend an event to mark the centenary celebrations of No.208(R) Squadron. Although I was not on the official guest list, I was part of a small number of enthusiasts allowed to enter the base and photograph the assembled aircraft.

Plus, read on for details of our exciting Aerodrome First Birthday competition!

‘100 Years Vigilant’

RAF No.208 Squadron Hawk T.1 XX188 with Centenary tail artwork

It does not matter how old you are, as an avid aviation enthusiast, you still end up feeling like an excited youngster when you set off on your latest aviation jaunt. With the Royal Air Force continuing to reduce in size from the interesting days of my youth and only a handful of busy operational bases remaining in the UK, the chance to attend a special event at RAF Valley was one to be grasped with both hands.

Even though RAF Valley is probably the nearest operational base to my home these days and only a short distance away ‘as the crow flies’, it is now also the most westerly situated RAF station on the UK Mainland and is definitely not the easiest place to reach by road (at least not from my home). As is usually the case for anything aviation related, this would result in a two-and-a-half-hour car journey and another very early start being the order of the day. Having made the trip to RAF Valley many times over the years, I have to say that I am particularly fond of this part of the world, though I make this statement with something of a caveat – the weather. The western coast of Anglesey is an absolutely beautiful place, but it seems that normal weather conditions do not apply here and I have been there when the weather has either been glorious, or horrendous. Even when the rest of the country is covered by the weather forecast by the Met Office, you cannot take it for granted that the conditions at Valley will follow suit. I remember being at Valley last year when you could hardly see your hand in front of your face, because of thick low cloud and incessant drizzle – a thoroughly miserable day. My camera stayed firmly in its bag and I sulked at the prospect of a completely wasted day’s spotting. Within half an hour, I was basking in glorious sunshine and RAF Valley sprung into life – what looked like being a total washout, turned into a fantastic day – good old Anglesey. Unfortunately, I was not going to enjoy such good fortune on my latest visit.

208 Squadron Centenary Celebration

RAF Valley station crest

The reason for my latest trip to RAF Valley was the opportunity to attend a special event to mark the centenary celebrations of No.208 (R) Squadron, who currently operate the Hawk T.1 out of this Anglesey base. The event would be all the more poignant as it had been recently announced that 208 Squadron would be disbanding later in April, bringing the curtain down on their twenty-two-year association with the British Aerospace Hawk T.1 and their important role providing advanced pilot training at RAF Valley.

RAF No.208 (Reserve) Squadron can trace its origins back to October 1916, when the unit was formed as No.8 (Naval) Squadron, Royal Naval Air Squadron at Dunkirk. Originally tasked with reinforcing Royal Flying Corps units during the heavy fighting on the Western Front, No.8 NAS were required to be highly mobile and operated from a number of different airfields during this time, using such aircraft as the Sopwith Pup and Nieuport Scout. With the creation of the Royal Air Force on 1st April 1918, the unit was incorporated into the new force and re-numbered No.208 Squadron. At this time, the Squadron was flying the Sopwith Camel and performing artillery spotting and ground attack roles in the final months of WWI, before staying on to fly with the occupation forces immediately after the war. With their return to Britain in late 1919, the Squadron soon disbanded.

The other of the specially presented 208 Squadron Hawks XX256

Perhaps the most significant development in the history of No.208 Squadron occurred in February 1920, when the unit re-formed at Ismailia, in Egypt. This saw the beginning of an incredible 51 years of unbroken service in the skies above the Middle East, a proud heritage that is celebrated to this day. Operating the Bristol F.2 Fighter and later the Armstrong Whitworth Atlas, No.208 Squadron were engaged in pioneering work in the field of airborne military reconnaissance and it was during this period that the Squadron adopted their distinctive crest of a ‘winged eye’, looking out from an azure blue sky. During this long association with the Middle East, No.208 Squadron pilots flew such aircraft as the Westland Lysander, Curtiss Tomahawk and Spitfire, before moving into the jet age with the Gloster Meteor and Hawker Hunter. The Squadron disbanded for a second time in September 1971.

Less than three years later, 208 Squadron was back, this time reforming at RAF Honington flying the mighty Blackburn Buccaneer – they had the distinction of becoming the first RAF participant in Exercise Red Flag, the advanced aerial combat training exercises hosted by the US Air Force and held at Nellis Air Force base in Nevada. The Squadron’s association with the Buccaneer was to be a significant one and aircraft from 208 Squadron were deployed to the Gulf as part of Operation Granby in 1991, although they were not initially tasked to take part in the conflict. As effective Iraqi ground fire forced RAF strike missions to be flown at higher altitudes, the use of laser guided munitions would be required and the only laser designator equipped aircraft in RAF inventory was the Buccaneer – these ageing jets were rushed to the Gulf region and performed admirably in this role.

The future of RAF fast jet training at Valley, the BAe Hawk T.2

Not long after its Gulf War detachment, the Buccaneer was withdrawn from RAF service and 208 Squadron began its long association with the British Aerospace Hawk jet trainer. Moving to RAF Valley in April 1994, today’s 208 (R) Squadron provide advanced flying and tactical weapons training to RAF and Royal Navy student pilots, as well as training non-UK pilots, which is an important role in terms of coalition support and defence diplomacy.

Aircrew Past and Present

The day’s events were planned to mark the centenary year of 208 (R) Squadron and members of the Squadron Association, along with serving members of the Squadron and their guests would be treated to a full day of official ceremony and aviation indulgence. The day would also mark the graduation of the final tactical weapons course of the 208 Squadron Hawk era, as it had been recently announced that the Squadron would be disbanding in the near future, with their aircraft being shared around the remaining Hawk T.1 operators, or placed in storage. Surely a sad day for everyone in attendance, the occasion would end with a formal 100th Anniversary dining in night, in the Officers’ Mess, which would allow the attendees to toast the Squadron in fine style.

Undoubtedly, a significant amount of planning would be required to arrange an event of this scale and current Squadron members would have been disappointed that the Anglesey weather did its level best to sabotage their efforts. With typical British grit and determination, the events continued as planned, despite grey skies, driving rain and an almost horizontal wind-sock – these really were grim conditions. Not part of the official Anniversary group, I was with a small group of specially invited enthusiasts hoping to mark the occasion from an aviation perspective and we all huddled around whatever shelter we could find, hoping to have the opportunity to take some pictures. On the flight ramp in front of our group were a pair of Hawk T.1 trainers and two Tornado GR.4s that had overnighted at RAF Valley. As the Tornados were readied for flight, many of our group were reluctant to take pictures at this stage, as the weather was so bad and they did not want to risk water getting into their valuable equipment, but the arrival of two very special aircraft changed all that. Many of us were completely unaware that the organisers had arranged for two classic aircraft from the rich history of 208 Squadron to attend the event and take part in a special photocall on the far side of the airfield and their arrival certainly raised the spirits somewhat. We were told that we would be escorted to this section of the base later in the day and given the opportunity to take pictures of the static display, but as this was a live airfield, everything would be tightly controlled and the group would have to stay together – there would be absolutely no wandering about allowed. As our allotted time approached, I am sure that I was not the only one hoping for an improvement in the weather.

RAF No.208 Squadron Centenary Photocall – Hawker Hunter ZZ190

Gloster Meteor T.7 (Modified) WA638

Bae Hawk T.1 XX188 resplendent with its Centenary tail artwork

One of the main reasons for attending this event was the opportunity to see one or both of the 208 Squadron Hawks that had been specially painted for this year’s centenary commemorations. Described more accurately as a ‘Centenary tail fin’, this special artwork was a high-profile way in which to mark the proud heritage of the Squadron and is the result of ideas submitted by serving Squadron members. The distinctive artwork utilises the sand yellow and blue colours that became synonymous with 208 Squadron during the inter-war years and its time spent in the Middle East and the design makes full use of this heritage. With the blue representing the clear Middle-Eastern skies and the yellow signifying the desert sand, the artwork also features the Great Sphinx of Giza, which forms part of the Squadron crest. Two Hawk aircraft XX188 and XX256 have received this special tail artwork, although recent developments have dictated that they will probably not be wearing the scheme for long, as the remaining 208 Squadron aircraft are due to go back into the paint shop at Valley to have Squadron markings removed, before being shared amongst the remaining Hawk T.1 operators. It is such a shame that these beautiful Middle-Eastern colours could not have been photographed in the Welsh sunshine.

Exotic Jet Powered Visitors

One of the unexpected highlights of the day was the arrival of two classic British jet aircraft, which had been secured to star in the static aircraft display, specifically as both types had been operated by 208 Squadron during their illustrious history. I am sure that some of the better informed members of our group had an idea that these two aircraft were due to attend, but even they must have thought that this was in doubt, due to the poor weather conditions we were enduring. Thankfully, Hawker Hunter Mk.58 ZZ190 and Gloster Meteor T.7 (hybrid) braved the elements and arrived at RAF Valley to take their place in the static display and raise the spirits of everyone in attendance.

Gloster Meteor T.7 WA638 (G-JWMA)

The Gloster Meteor is an extremely important aircraft in the history of the Royal Air Force and as one of the world’s earliest jet powered aircraft, the sight of this magnificent aircraft arriving at Valley really was an aviation treat. Gloster Meteor T.7(Modified) WA638 is definitely one of the rarest and most unusual jet aircraft in the world, which also has an extremely interesting service history. It is one of two Meteors currently owned and operated by Martin-Baker Limited, which are used as flying test beds in the manufacture of the company’s world leading ejection seat systems. WA638 is actually a hybrid T.7/F.8 Meteor, which marries a T.7 airframe with the addition of a fin and rudder from an F.8 variant of the aircraft. Not only is it distinctive by the smart black and gold livery in which it is finished in, but it also has an open rear cockpit section, which marks this famous Meteor as one used in ejection seat development trials.

An exotic aviation visitor indeed, the Martin-Baker Gloster Meteor

Amongst aviation enthusiasts, this magnificent aeroplane has to be one of the most interesting jet aircraft in Britain today and its appearance at any aviation event will always draw admiring crowds. WA638 has been in service with Martin-Baker since 1962, although a large period of this service was actually spent in storage, between 1977 and 1997. Despite this period of inactivity, the aircraft has been used in over 500 ejection tests, including both rocket and non-rocket fired seat tests. The aircraft was repainted in this extremely smart black scheme for its first post storage flight in May 2001 and at one stage could claim to be the oldest flying military jet still in operational service. Recent operating restrictions have resulted in WA638 being placed on the civilian register as G-JWMA, even though it is still operated from the Martin-Baker owned airfield at Chalgrove, in Oxfordshire.

Hawker Hunter Mk.58 ZZ190

The Hawker Hunter has to be regarded as one of the most successful jet aircraft to ever take to the skies and was certainly a significant leap forward for the RAF when it entered service in 1954. The Hunter also served with No.208 Squadron from early 1958, including a significant period spent in the Middle East, where they used the aircraft until the Squadron traded their Hunters for the mighty Blackburn Buccaneer.

Hunter ZZ190 is owned and operated by Hawker Hunter Aviation Limited, out of their facility at RAF Scampton, in Lincolnshire. They are an MOD and CAA approved contractor for the UK armed forces, providing aerial support to a joint training readiness role – this includes the provision of threat mission support training, along with photo chase and radar calibration operations. A cost effective training solution for the current MOD, HHA operate a fleet of seven modified Hawker Hunters in this specific role.

Hawker Hunter Aviation Limited sent this magnificent machine

Hawker Hunter ZZ190 was formerly operated by the Swiss Air Force as J-4066 and when it was retired from service in 1995, it was acquired by a French aviation museum. Being in such good condition, the aircraft came to the attention of the Old Flying Machine Company in the UK, who went to France and prepared the jet for flight. In early 1998, OFMC pilot Mark Hanna flew the aircraft back to the UK, where it was hangared at the former RAF Kemble. Having spent a short time on the books of Delta Jets, ZZ190 finally joined the Hawker Hunter Aviation Limited fleet at Scampton in June 1999. As a classic British jet aircraft, the Hawker Hunter is still an extremely popular addition to any display programme and still a surprisingly spritely performer.

Centenary Celebration

No.736 NAS Hawk XX261 with 100 years tail and replacement rudder

It was extremely unfortunate that the Anglesey weather was not more accommodating for this significant anniversary event, as this was clearly an important occasion for both former and current aircrew members of No.208 Squadron. As well as the poignant static aircraft display, it was planned that the event would include a graduation six Hawk flypast, which would prove to be the final one of the 208 Squadron Hawk training era. Despite the challenging conditions on the day, the formation aircraft taxied past our windswept ranks and took off into the grey skies, disappearing into the mirk to try and arrange themselves into as close a formation as possible. Taking part were a cross-section of British Aerospace Hawks, to mark the 22-year association between 208 Squadron and this famous British training aircraft – included were one of the Centenary Tail Hawks, three standard 208 Squadron machines, an all-black Hawk, which signified a pre-2001 No. 208 Squadron aircraft and a FAA Hawk, wearing a special naval aviation anniversary tail. The final Hawk was wearing the famous livery of the Red Arrows, which did not take part in the formation, but probably acted as a camera ship to record this auspicious occasion. After a few minutes, the formation returned and made a series of sweeping passes over the gathered 208 Squadron members, before breaking up into pairs to perform a simulated airfield attack scenario. In these challenging conditions, this demonstration highlighted the skill and professionalism of the current RAF No.208 Squadron pilots perfectly, although I did feel sorry for them, as better weather would have made it even more of a spectacle.

Despite the conditions, 208 Squadron Hawk XX256 led the simulated airfield attack

Despite the inclement conditions at RAF Valley, this proved to be an extremely memorable occasion and I certainly feel privileged to have been one of the lucky few allowed to attend the Centenary celebrations of No.208 Squadron. Unfortunately, by the time you read this review of the event, the remaining Hawks of 208 Squadron will have more than likely been through the paint shops at Valley to have all their Squadron markings removed – they will then be shared amongst the remaining Hawk T.1 operators around the UK, or simply placed into storage. Although there is no doubting that this event would have been a significant one in the history of 208 Squadron and for the gathered Squadron members past and present, it will also have been tinged with a little sadness. The recent news that the Squadron will be disbanding during April will see their Hawks leaving RAF Valley for the final time over the next few weeks, bringing to an end the proud association between 208 Squadron’s ‘Winged Eye’ and this famous training airfield on Anglesey – their home for the past 22 years.

Fortune favours the extremely cold and wet

Even though the pictures used to illustrate this feature do not really portray just how bad the conditions actually were on the day, by the time we were escorted from the airfield and back to our vehicles, most people were desperate to get out of their wet clothes and turn the heater on in their car. With a strong, gusting wind and driving rain, conditions were really miserable at times, but aviation enthusiasts are a hardy breed and not all of us headed straight for the A55 and our journey home. The conditions certainly did not look conducive to any further flying operations for the day, but for some reason, I decided to take a few pictures of the RAF Valley gate guardian Hunter T.8 and let the traffic disperse before hitting the roads. Having secured some pictures of the Valley Hunter and cleaned my wet camera, I became aware of engine noise coming from the far side of the airfield – it was time to investigate.

The magnificent sight of Hunter ZZ190 making its way to the runway

The enthusiasts who had decided to hang around were to be rewarded with an aviation treat that finished the day off in some style. Both the Hawker Hunter and Gloster Meteor were making their way to the runway, having decided to brave the conditions and head for their respective home airfields – what a treat. Standing at the threshold of runway 19, both aircraft taxied really close to our position and we were able to get some fantastic pictures, despite the gloomy conditions. After both aircraft had taken off into the murky skies, I made my way back to the car feeling rather pleased with myself – I can assure you that I rarely enjoy this kind of luck.

My personal highlight of the day was the departure of the stunning Martin-Baker Gloster Meteor

Aerodrome Anniversary Competition

We could not let the centenary of No.208 Squadron and the first birthday of our Aerodrome blog pass without marking the occasion with an aviation related competition could we? Retaining a British Aerospace Hawk theme, our first prize winner will bag a unique, fully authenticated Corgi die-cast Red Arrows Hawk pre-production model in 1/72nd scale. This model has been produced to commemorate Corgi’s 60th Anniversary and will make a fitting prize for this special edition of Aerodrome. In addition to this, the winner will also receive a magnificent Squadron Print of BAe Hawk T.1 XX188, which comes complete with the special No.208 Squadron Centenary Tail recently applied to the aircraft, to mark their anniversary. We will also make a second print available as a runners up prize.

Catalogue image of Corgi 60th Anniversary Red Arrows Hawk AA36012

To stand a chance of winning our anniversary competition, simply head over to the competition page on Corgi or Airfix and answer the question. Entries close on Wednesday 27th April and we will announce the winners in the next edition of Aerodrome on Friday 29th April – good luck!

I am afraid that that is it for this first anniversary edition of Aerodrome. I hope that you enjoyed our feature on the No.208 Squadron Centenary event at RAF Valley and please do enter our competition – the unique first prize is well worth winning. If any of our readers have any pictures of BAe Hawks wearing special schemes, please do send them in to us, as we could use them in a future Aerodrome to mark the end of T.1 operations at RAF Valley, which is quite a sad development. When sending any pictures to us, please use our direct e-mail address at aerodrome@hornby.com . I very much look forward to seeing what you all come up with.

A last look at RAF No.208 Squadron Centenary Hawk XX188

As usual, if you would like to discuss our latest blog, you can head for either the Airfix Aerodrome Forum or our Corgi Aerodrome Forum and join the chat. If you have any specific comments, questions or suggestions for future editions of Aerodrome, please do feel free to let us know by using either the Airfix Facebook or Corgi Facebook pages, our Airfix Twitter or Corgi Twitter accounts, using #aerodrome.

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Thank you very much for reading our latest blog and I look forward to posting the next edition of Aerodrome in two weeks’ time.
Michael

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