National Service Aircrew
How many of us were there ?
I went to Hornchurch for pre-selection and was quickly wafted from Padgate to Compton Bassett for Air Signaller ground school. Then off to Swanton Morley for flying training in Ansons and then Percival Proctors. Off to St Mawgan for maritime reconnaissance traing in Lancaster MR3's. Up to Kinloss for conversion to Lockheed Neptunes and finally to 36 Sqn at Topcliffe to see out the remainder of my National Service.
All done in two years with a very high level of competence displayed by the various trainers.
There were of course navs and pilots who also qualified during N.S. but I have rarely come across many others who had this very interesting way of passing their two years. The RAF was still a very big organisation then and many of the personnel were ex-WW2.
After leaving I was recalled for reserve training twice - to trundle around in Vickers Varsities which enhanced my student income considerably.
Things seemed very laid back at that time !