Why do I find this so depressing?
RAF Brazen...yes, that little West Country establishment, now 'rationalised'. You will note that I have corrected my post, and attributing it to the correct Service.
Gainesy. Thanks for your reply and what depressing reading it makes. Years ago when serving as a young Adjutant in the Marches, an old dear in the village asked to visit the NAAFI shop to buy some NAAFI tea. OC Sy was appoplectic: 'Of course not...could be PIRA...setting a dangerous precedent...what if she falls over...etc etc.' Yes, on occasions it is necessary to be suspicious and cautious (especially wrt flight safety) but, as demonstrated in your post, we are often our own worst enemy.
Oh, and by the way, I took a packet of tea around to this old lady who snatched it out of my hands, didn't say thanks, and was an old ungrateful cow who smelt of wee. OC Sy was probably right to deny her acess to the NAAFI shop!