Follow-up

AS A National Serviceman, my first flight was not as exotic as that of Graham Lench (Peterborough), but interesting nonetheless.

My 1952 initial training (aka square-bashing) was at RAF Hednesford, and some of us were assessed as potential officer material and aircrew (voluntary) suitability. Six from our flight declined. Then we were asked if we’d like to try a flight. A yes equalled less drill.

We were taken to RAF Cosford for a 20-minute flight.

The aircraft was a Tiger Moth biplane with open cockpits, which leapt into the air at 45mph and circuited the air- field at 90mph. Wonderful! But no one changed their mind about being aircrew.

Little did I know that within weeks would be my second flight — to Malta and RAF El Adem, Libya, not far from Tobruk. Now that was pretty interesting!

Geoff Hughes, Irby, Wirral.