The highlight of the 2006 was the Squadron’s 90th Anniversary Open Day, Graduation Ceremony (8) and Guest night on 2 June. Many Association Members joined Squadron personnel on a blazing hot day to celebrate the event which concluded with a very successful dinner.
In October a 208 Squadron Anniversary Painting was unveiled (8a). The painting was presented by Ocean Limited, the company that provided the Squadron IT support for flying programming as a gift to honour the Anniversary.
Squadron Leader PT Millward rejoined 208 in the spring after a tour with 100 Squadron. He replaced Squadron Leader M J Sharp who retired from the RAF. Squadron Leader Sharp achieved the milestone of 3000 hours on 14 August 2006. As part of their career development the OC led the Squadron staff on a Battlefield Tour to Normandy. This gave the opportunity for 35 staff to study the planning and implementation of Operation OVERLORD, visit the birthplace of 208 Squadron at Le Vert Galant (9) (a particularly special event) and the V2 rocket sites in the Calais area. The visit to Le Vert Galant was particularly poignant, and they took the opportunity to toast Squadron Commander Bromet (10) outside the buildings he used to establish the Squadron over 90 years previously.
On 20 April 2007 one of the Squadron aircraft crashed at RAF Mona. The student pilot, Flying Officer Colin Bartwicki, who was flying solo, successfully ejected and was taken by Sea King to the Spinal Injuries Unit in Nottingham. Five days later he was present at his course solo drinks party, where he received his Martin Baker badge, tie and certificate (and a considerable amount of banter from his course mates). His recovery was swift and he graduated in the autumn and began Tactical Weapons Training in March 2008.
