Op Fabulous / QRA / Battle Flight 1950s - 1960s
I have been doing some reading around the above subject and I would love to hear any ideas about what aircrew did during the quiet moments between scrambles. I am particularly interested in the time from say July 1950 to the arrival of Q Sheds.
In OP Fab or 2TAF when aircraft were said to be at 'two minute cockpit readiness' were pilots actually in the cockpit or perhaps seated close by? I'm imagining (quite probably unrealistically) sprawled out on deckchairs or the grass beside the ORP!
Without activity as such, how long do you think would they each be required be at cockpit readiness?
For later periods were there pilots' crew rooms or similar, maybe caravans by the ORPs?
No source seems to provide a definitive answer!
Interested to hear your thoughts...
BB