Old Hairy, thank you Sir for such a fascinating and detailed account of your days on the Sunderland. Your recent accounts of Royal Tours around the Far East certainly rang bells with me as some 15 years later I was a sprog co-pilot detached from 48 Squadron to the Far East Comm Sqn, both Hastings equipped at Changi, but the latter with the elegant Mk4-a flying Pall Mall club. As you say the cuisine was fantastic, usually served up by the ALM in the wardroom while our VIP inspected Guards of Honour etc. I think that was when I lost my sylph like figure, never to return sadly. Mention of the Abandoned Earl also reminded me of stories, told by those who spanned the two decades, that he was renowned for inviting the crew of his CinC Sunderland to the wardroom once airborne and proceeding to liberate them of their Pay and allowances at Poker! Even given the opportunities to enhance these that you recount it would seem that could be an expensive duty! Much more please!