There was an occasion back in the late 1950's when a member of the Royal family (possibly either Princess Margaret or Alexander)came to RAF Gutersloh to present a new Squadron Standard to either 14 or 20 Squadron The luncheon on that occasion surpassed anything most of us had seen or participated in during out service up to that time. Only problem was that after the event the Mess coffers were not only empty by owing funds to elsewhere. There were a few amongst our number who had never tasted caviar before, Russian of course. The consequence was that the meals in the Mess suddenly became absolutely appalling and frugal.
Normally doing Orderly Officer was seen as either a punishment or just a plain chore. It became a much prized duty as one could get really good meals in the Airmen's Mess where officially one was supposed to sample the food and seek "any complaints?". So instead of just sampling a sip of soup, or a chip, etc. one would sit down with the Squadron airmen and enjoy the full offering.
I have been reminded that on occasions those doing OO and that had partaken of a meal in the airman's mess would sneak back to the Squadron with a largish bag of chips.
The good old days!
Last edited by DODGYOLDFART; 20th Jun 2022 at 14:51.