<<BOAC crews seem to have had a similar status to senior British diplomats then>>
Well, some of them I met in Africa seemed to think they should be treated thus! The BEA crews were much more down to earth and great fun to work with.
One Christmas Eve an overflying BOAC VC-10 said to us: "The Captain has instructed me to wish you a Merry Christmas". Our Watch Supervisor's response is not printable!!