In 1952, the RAF had about 171500 personnel to defend a UK population of 52million. Or around 292 people for each RAF member.
By 1957, the RAF rose to a strength of 228000 and even after the disaster of Duncan Sandys infamous 1957 Defence White Paper, the strength in 1958 was around 193000 - but decreasing still.
When I joined the RAF, cuts were underway to reduce the 1968 strength of 121000 down to 97000. Largely by withdrawing from East of Suez....
To be fair Beagle, the figures in the 1950s and early 1960s were artificially high because of national service.