we lived in the 'Officers Mess' at Thurleigh in the late 60's early 70's. I went to school at Pilgrim in Bedford, and learnt to fly at Cranfield..The most interesting aircart were the VSTOL 'flying bedstead', the Trident, Canbera and 111 'blind landing and ILS aircraft' - comet, also, I recall - with nose extention full of electronics; a couple of Shackletons; the STOL Harrier test facility, with the 'carrier ski-jump' set up, and the runway / carrier hook/wire set up.. Every morning an RAF Heron or Dove would arrive carrying who knows what/who. Phantoms would beat up the runway going afterburner / wertical at midpoint. But the Flying bedstead was the most unique... I used to ride to the fence near the approach or the hangers and breath in the amazing sights - wish I'd had a camera then, too..
