BROMET TROPHY

Air Vice-Marshal Sir Geoffrey Rhodes Bromet KBE, CB, DSO, had a long and remarkable career, starting as a naval cadet in 1904. From being one of the pioneering naval officers who joined the Royal Naval Air Service in 1914 he became the first commanding officer of Naval Eight when, in 1916, he formed the Squadron to join forces with the Royal Flying Corps in France. The Squadron served distinction during the Great War and he was awarded the DSO for the part he played. He retired from the RAF in 1938 only to be recalled one year later when he became SASO Coastal Command and, subsequently, AOC 19 Group. By the end of the Second World War he was commanding the Combined British Forces in the Azores. In 1945 he again retired and was appointed Governor of the Isle of Man where his work in restoring the Island's economy after the war is still remembered with gratitude, whilst his delightful personality is remembered with affection.

It was Sir Geoffrey who formed the Naval Eight/208 Squadron Association in 1919 and he was its President for two long periods until his death, at the age of 93, in November 1983. In spite of his many activities he never failed to take an interest in all the Association's affairs and his name, which was synonymous with excellence both as an airman and as a leader, will always be held in high regard. It was the wish of the Association that the standards to which Sir Geoffrey aspired should be commemorated by a trophy to be presented to No 208 Squadron, that it should be called 'The Geoffrey Bromet Memorial Trophy' and that it should be awarded annually by the Officer Commanding No 208 Squadron for excellence in the air.

The trophy was presented to the Squadron on the occasion of the Annual Reunion at the Royal Air Force Club, 128 Piccadilly, London on 26 October 1985.

DAVID MATHER TROPHY

The David Mather Trophy was donated by the widow of Flt Lt David Mather in 1976. Flt Lt Mather was a Gnat Qualified Flying Instructor on No. 1 Squadron here at No. 4 Flying Training School and was killed along with three other pilots in a mid-air collision. Formerly a helicopter pilot, Flt Lt Mather was considered an expert at low level navigation and the Trophy is therefore presented to the student who gains the highest marks in the low level navigation phase of the course, but only if a high enough standard is attained.

PAUL GAY TROPHY

The Paul Gay Trophy was presented to No. 4 Flying Training School by the parents of Flt Lt Paul Gay in 1982. On the 5th of November 1982, Flt Lt Gay and his Qualified Flying Instructor, Flt Lt Nigel Demery ejected on finals to Runway 14 at RAF Valley. Due to the extreme attitude of the aircraft, Flt Lt Gay was ejected into the ground and killed. The Trophy is awarded to the student who has demonstrated the highest standard of personal qualities as an Officer and is awarded only if a high enough standard has been reached.

VAFEAS TROPHY

The VAFEAS Trophy was presented to No. 4 Flying Training School in 1942 and is awarded to the student who gains the highest marks in Ground School.