NigG,
...The idea being that a bit of collective fun would help the newly-formed unit to gel together... and the new-comer would get the idea that he had joined a 'Squadron with a difference'...
So the Squadron sent an aircraft up to Dum-Dum for the hooch. Prudent enquiry there would have revealed that there would be no imported genuine gin left (or at least none for sale), but that the Calcutta British firm of Carew's * made a drinkable substitute (and also a "Rosa" rum), available all over the subcontinent. All other locally produced spirits were to be avoided like the plague (including Lilliy's Gin !), only to be used (in place of unobtainable meths) to fire up pressure kerosene lamps and the like. They were lucky the stuff didn't kill anyone !
Don't know where they got any beer from, no "India Pale Ale" or the like came out from UK now of course. There was beer brewed at some Hill Stations ("Murree" was one) but the stuff wouldn't travel.
All in all, my introduction to 110 Squadron was a far more gentle affair, I'm happy to say !
Note *: Googled, still in business out there (now part of United Spirits Ltd).
Danny.