Hi, re the post by Colin. I was posted to RAF Geilenkirchen (Germany) for most of the time I mentioned before and part way through my time the Americans arrived.
I was doing the radar electronics for 2 different radar sets plus a variant,helping out on 2 others and a passing knowledge of the radio side. I assisted a couple of mates doing the instruments as well. When we got down to what the Americans did I was amazed at the small area they covered for instance there were 3 men who between them knew one radar set and did nothing else.
They thought we were shooting a line but gradually saw that what we said was true.
From hindsight I can only presume the the American viewpoint was limited in their expectations of what the mechanics and fitters could do.
One of the good bits was we had a detachment of Canadians and their standards of food were way above the RAF but the RAF matched them for culinary expertise. I used to get up early to get breakfast! The food was hotel standard even by todays measurements.
I was posted afterwards to RAF Lyneham and they used to win the Catering trophy each year I really was spoilt for food when I was in except when posted to RAF Yatesbury for training where food was bog standard and the NAAFI did a lot of evening meal business.
I might add we had our share of crashes with Canberra bombers and Meteor fighters, they were usually a write off. Or at best sent back to UK as Cat 5. But on one occasion the pilot brought in a Canberra with a total hydraulic failure! I was told he had his feet on the instrument panel to get leverage.
Regards
Roy
