Forever Vigilant
Naval 8/208 Squadron RAF -
Air Commodore Graham Pitchfork
ISBN: 9781910690147
223 pages
Colour and Black & White photographs
Hardback
In “Forever Vigilant,” Graham Pitchfork has provided an exciting, factual history of No 8 Squadron RNAS, which formed in October 2016, then became No 208 Squadron RAF on 1 April 1918. Graham has clearly conducted a huge amount of research and consultation to be able to articulate such a detailed history covering every era of this distinguished Squadron’s history. He has compiled this history from records and eye witness accounts in a powerful narrative style so that we are left in no doubt as to the spirit and achievements of the Squadron throughout that history, from 1916 right up until the present day. The records and personal accounts speak for themselves but Graham has harnessed and arranged them in such a way as to make the book a compelling read. At every stage of the Squadron’s history, there is action and interest. In addition, the book is brilliantly illustrated with photos from every era. The colour photos from the Hawk era are particularly eye catching and the colour reproduction is extremely attractive. As well as the Spirit and achievements of the Squadron, another feature which Graham brings out with suitable emphasis is the recurring theme of the fine relationship on the Squadron between the Aviators and the Ground crew. While this feature was originally inspired and encouraged by the first Squadron Commander, Geoffrey Bromet, it has been a thread which continued to run through all the chapters of the Squadron. And that camaraderie is continued today in the Naval 8/208 Squadron Association, a further inspiration of Geoffrey Bromet.
For all Military Aviation enthusiasts, “Forever Vigilant” will be a valuable addition to their library. For all ex-
Ben Laite OC 208 Squadron 1981 -
Published by
Grub Street
4 Rainham Close
London
SW11 6SS
1st printing 2016