8 Sqn IAF “Eight Pursoots” was formed on 1 December 1942. However, the early members of the squadron celebrated “1 March” as the anniversary and not 1 December. The story behind why 1 march! (1/10)
7 Sqn and 8 Sqn came about almost together – both were formed on 1 December 1942, both had a crew from the disbanded CDF (Coastal Defence Flights) being transferred to these units, and both were to get the Vengeance aircraft as bomber role. 2/
It was decided to form the 8 Sqn at Trichinopoly mostly with crew from 5 CDF at Cochin. Vengeance aircraft was new to IAF & crew, so while the sqn was formed – maintenance and aircrew were yet to be trained. 3/
Trichinopoly at that time had the 6 Sqn, IAF as well and it was the adjutant of 6 Sqn, Pilot officer Abdul Rehman who was detailed to be officer-in-charge of the 8 Sqn till it forms up. It was only on 20 Jan 43, that the first two ground duties officers arrived at the station. 4/
Initially, even the establishment did not exist. Mistakenly P/O Rehman is shown as the first CO of 8 Sqn, though he was never on the unit strength. It was finally on 1 March 1943, that aircrews were posted to the unit officially, though all were sent to OTU Peshawar. 5/
Attached is the list of pilots posted to the unit on 1 March 1943 for conversion. The unit finally functioned together, in one place, with aircraft in July 1943 at Phapamau after the conversions, moves, and aircraft collection had been completed. 6/
The Sqn was in the thick of the action in Burma both in 1943 and in 1945, finally landing at a “peace” location – ironically at Triconolopy in Jan 1946. It was here on 1 March 1946 that the sqn, now 3 years old, celebrated its anniversary for the first time. 7/
And Boy, did this celebration of what! for 3 nights non-stop they made the most of the three years of celebration they had missed. Attaching a mention of each of the three nights in the ORB. Below is 1st march. 8/
Day 2 – Athletics meet. 9/
Day 3 – Hangar Fete. 10/10
Originally published on Twitter
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