What an interesting thread this is and many thanks to all contributors.
As an aviation press photographer, I was very lucky to get a flight in one of the last flying Hastings. This was the RAE's C.2, WJ327, at Farnborough in September 1972. They removed the freight doors on the port side and us photographers were attached to a strop tied around our waist to stop us falling out. We spent 5 hours circling round at 8,000 ft over Farnborough while the aircraft for the air show formated alongside for photography. It was freezing cold I recall, but not sure whether taking the photos or flying in the Hastings was the best bit for me, as I shall never forget that.