what a Great post - brought back some memories of lots of flying backwards!
I used to fly in them when I was the RAF mainly to Cyprus & Decimommanu initially, then to Saudi & Turkey on the aftermath to Gulf War 1 when the Sqns I was on were carrying out the No-Fly-Zone Patrols out of Incirlik & Dahran (then later PSAB). No real in flight meals as such - a white cardboard box with a packed lunch and lots of rounds of white plastic cups with orange squash in it!
I stood near the end of the runway in Akrotiri once as the twice weekly Trooping Flight took off towards me - I've never been able to forget it - very beautifull, all white fuselarge and wings with no engines in sight!
It will always be the "Great Big White Gozhomi Bird" to me and many others too.
Thanks for your posts.
regards
H