Following the traditional Loyal Toast, 
and an introduction by the President of the Mess Committee, the President of the Naval Eight / 208 Squadron Association, Air Marshal Sir Robert Wright KBE AFC FRAeS RAF, was the first to address the assembled guests. In his speech, he praised and thanked the Squadron for an outstanding day’s event: ‘A most marvellous show’ indeed, and a fitting step on the way to the Squadron’s ultimate disbandment which was, of course, very sad news. He thanked Dave Southwood for flying to the event in a Hunter, thus providing a link to that Chapter of the Squadron’s history, and recalled that Dave had been a ’20 year-old junior pilot’ when the President had first encountered him in the Buccaneer era, not dissimilar in spirit to the 20 year-old pilots that had operated on ‘Naval Eight’ in the Great War, as Colin Buxton had described in his earlier presentation. The President recounted that, at the time, Dave had not yet passed his Driving Test, but was very much at home at the controls of a Buccaneer at 600 knots and 100 feet! Dave has, of course, become one of the Country’s foremost test pilots, and the President noted how valuable reunion events have become in reuniting former colleagues such as him and Dave.
Centenary Celebrations 09
The 208 Squadron Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant Kevin Brown, smartly carried the Squadron Standard, presenting it proudly to each guest as they entered the Dining Room. Musical accompaniment was provided wonderfully by the Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra. Once all guests and the Top Table were in place, Flight Lieutenant Brown marched in the Squadron Standard to reverent silence, and positioned it at the head of the table. The President of the Mess Committee, Squadron Leader ‘Ted’ Taylor-Head (OC B Flight), called for Grace, which was read by Lieutenant Commander Mark ‘Binns’ Brayson.
Click here to read the ‘Centenary Grace’
What followed was an exceptional event in the finest tradition of the Squadron, with fine food, fine wine, and the finest of company or, in Sir Geoffrey Bromet’s own words: ‘The Finest Crowd of Fellows Ever’. The Head Chef, Mr Stewart Savage and his team had excelled themselves with a wonderful 5-course meal, expertly served by the Mess staff. Undoubtedly, a number of very tall tales were told as the evening progressed, no doubt aided by copious quantities of ‘Penetrator Pale’ and ‘Dark Side’ ale.
Click here to view the 100th Anniversary Dinner Menu.
