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The Squadron commenced 1954 with routine training varied only by tactical reconnaissance sorties flown over Egyptian Forces three times a week. In February the yearly ‘link with civilisation” at Nicosia was enjoyed while the pilots endeavoured to improve their weaponry results.

The routine training of the ensuing months was broken in June by an Exercise Quick Return, a return flight of 4 Mk 9’s, plus a Valetta for the ground- crew, to Swartkop, Union of South Africa. The aircraft left on 21st June and arrived at their destination on 25th, via Wadi Haifa, Khartoum, Juba, Entebbe, Tabora, N’Dola and Salisbury.

The pilots were accorded a magnificent reception throughout the journey and this, coupled with good serviceability made the exercise extremely enjoyable. The objects of the exercise were maintenance of the route to the Cape and liaison with the South African and Southern Rhodesian Air Forces. Four days were spent at Swartkop before the return journey commenced.

The net result of this exercise was that some interesting navigation data was collected particularly regarding the effect of changes in specific gravity of fuel with temperature.

As a footnote, morale of the force was sent soaring at Wadi Haifa when the airport manager translated the name the natives had bestowed on the Meteors. They called them “The Father of all Whistles”, as opposed to the more insignificant “Squeaking Bird” with which they referred to the Vampires!

The year ended with the Squadron’s return to Abu Sueir after a successful armament practice camp at Nicosia.

The Squadron was permitted to carry out its routine training without interruption until September 1955 when a flare up of activity in the Gaza Strip diverted attention to tactical reconnaissance of Egyptian dispositions and movements in the Zone.

However by October the Squadron was making preparations for the ceremonial presentation of the Squadron Standard the following month.

THE SQUADRON STANDARD

In 1943, on the 25th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force, King George VI announced his intention to award a ceremonial flag, which should be known as “the Standard”, to operational squadrons. He later made known his wish that there should be Colours for the Royal Air Force as well as Standards.

The two alternative qualifying requirements the King laid down were that either the squadron must have completed 25 year in the Royal Air Force, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, the Royal Flying Corps or Royal Naval Air Service, or it must have earned the King’s (now the Queen’s) appreciation for specially outstanding operations.

208 Squadron met both these requirements.

On 18th November, 1955, at Royal Air Force Abu Sueir, the Squadron was presented with its Standard.

Air Vice Marshal Sir Geoffrey R. Bromet, KBE, CB, 050, RAF (Ret’d), the first Squadron Commander, had been invited to make the presentation and he arrived from England with four old members of the Squadron. Official guests at the presentation included Air Marshal Sir Claude B.R. Pelly, KCB, CBE, MC and the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal D.H.F. Barnett, CBE, DFC.

The day of the presentation commenced in fog, however by 08.45 hours it was possible to see across the parade ground and the Squadron marched on. The Reviewing Officer arrived at 09.00 hours and was received with a General Salute. After an inspection of the Squadron the presentation began.

The Standard was consecrated by the Assistant Chaplain in Chief, Middle East Air Force, the Reverend F.H. Trevor, and then presented to the Squadron. In his address to the Squadron Air Vice Marshal Bromet said

“This is an inspiring and emotional occasion for all of us here today. A proud and unforgettable one for me personally.

Your Squadron was formed in October 1916 as an RNAS re-inforcement to the hard pressed fighter Squadrons of the RFC on the Somme Front and ever since that date it has taken an uninterrupted and front line part in the peace and war activities of the Royal Air Force; first in a Fighter role, then as Army Cooperation and now as Fighter Reconnaissance.

A succession of air and ground crews, and of aircraft, representative of the best Air Forces of Britain and the Commonwealth can give, have worked in harmony with, and in support of, our Armies in France, Germany, Egypt, Iraq, Western Desert, Greece, Syria, Palestine and Italy.

The Squadron’s reputation in World War I ensured for it a permanent place in the post war Squadrons of the RAF and today - 39 years on - the Squadron has received its Standard in recognition of meritorious service rendered to the Sovereign and our Country, since its formation in 1916.

For myself, and those who have come with me today, I would say this - Today our memories are alive with the names of our Squadron mates of old and those who flew and lost their lives with the Squadron, and are so much in our minds as to seem to be actually here.

You have achieved what we set out to do in 1916 - to establish a great and enduring tradition of Service discipline, good fellowship and fighting efficiency.

The memory of this day and what your Standard symbolises will remain with you, I am sure, all your lives.

Whenever you, and those who follow after, salute this Standard you and they will recall brave names and great occasions, and be resolved by your actions and example always to maintain the old tradition.”