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After a damp and cold spring and early summer, it was with great relief that a combined 8 Squadron Association and Hunter Reunion was held in the most idyllic of weather over the weekend of 31st May/1st June.
For the Hunter fraternity, the weekend began on the afternoon of Friday the 31st with functions at the Hare & Hounds Inn in Fulbeck (highly recommended) and a restaurant in Lincoln. The undoubted highlight of the evening was the presence of Sqn Ldr Tam Syme DFC, OC 8 Squadron from 1963-65, who had flown over from the USA with his wife Frankie.
On Saturday 1st June, the large gathering of former members, their families and friends were heartily welcomed by OC 8 Squadron Wg Cdr Jim Beldon MBE MA BSc RAF, together with Squadron and Association members their families and friends. A flypast by the Battle of Britain Dakota and display by a Hawker Hunter trainer were interspersed with various activities. The undoubted highlight was the unveiling of a recently acquired Hawker Hunter in the Memorial Garden by Wg Cdr Beldon, Sqn Ldr Tam Syme and Gp Capt Tim Almond.
The day concluded with a Ladies Guest Night at the Assembly Rooms in Lincoln town centre. A formal dinner was attended by some 100 people, many in full Mess Dress, and the Squadron Standard was marched in.
The purpose of these pages is to recognise the significant bond that has developed between former and current squadron members and to display a selection of photographs from a most memorable and enjoyable occasion. Assuming that initial proposals for a special centenary event in 2015 come to fruition, we really have something to look forward to.
On 26th June 1963, Hawker Hunter XE620 rejoined 8 Squadron at RAF Khormaksar following a ten-month refurbishment in the UK. During the same month, Sqn Ldr Tam Syme DFC assumed command of the squadron and XE620 was allocated as his aircraft.
In recognition of the prominent role played by the Hawker Hunter, its pilots and groundcrews during the aircraft's twelve-year tenure (1960 to 1971) with 8 Squadron in the Middle East, the current 8 Squadron obtained Hunter F.Mk.6A, XE606, for static display in the 8 Squadron Memorial Garden at RAF Waddington. Restored and repainted to pristine condition, it bears the markings carried by FGA.Mk.9 XE620-B in 1963/64. The pennant and name of Squadron Commander, Sqn Ldr Tam S Syme DFC is displayed on the port side of the forward fuselage.
Three views of XE606 bearing 4 Squadron markings, during dismantling and transportation to Barkston Heath for restoration work to commence in February, 2001. (Barry Dobson)
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Looking as good as the day it left Kingston and draped in 8 Squadron colours, XE620 awaits the unveiling ceremony, 1st June 2013. (Author)
The cost of dismantling, transporting, reassembling and repainting the Hunter was reached thanks to the generous contributions from a large number of donors. The aircraft will remain open to the elements and in order to keep it in pristine condition, further donations to the Hunter Fund will be most gratefully received. Anyone wishing to make a contribution is requested to Contact the author in the first instance, using the Contact option in the left column, and instructions on how you can do so will be forwarded by return. Your continued support is much appreciated. Thank you.
A selection of photographs taken on the day can be viewed by clicking on the aircraft image below. If you would like me to add your images to the gallery, I would be delighted. Please contact me via the 'Author contact' button at the top of the menu column on the left.
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You may have seen in a previous newsletter that the Squadron association is on a membership drive and so far it is going quite well but not well enough! An ambitious target of 888 members has been set for the event marking the centenary of the Squadron which will take place in 2015. Given that the 'Mighty Eight' has historically been a large squadron, and that there are just 6 levels of separation between everyone else on the planet, the target should be achievable with a little help from everyone associated with it. All you have to do is encourage a few of your ex-Squadron colleagues to join up and get them to do the same. The event would then be a truly magnificent and memorable occasion befitting a centenary celebration.
The cost of joining the Association is £10 with an annual subscription of £5. To join the Association, open the 8 Squadron website http://www.8squadron.co.uk/, click on the 'Association' option and select the 'Application' button under the badge. Complete the form and click on 'Submit'.
Return to the Association page, click on the 'Standing order' button, print off the form, fill it in and take to your bank.
In addition to the annual Families Day and special events such as the Hunter reunion and unveiling, you will receive regular newsletters to keep you informed of Squadron activities.